Grimm
2011
Original language: English
- drama
- mystery
- sci-fi & fantasy
The story
After Portland homicide detective Nick Burkhardt discovers he's descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as "Grimms," he increasingly finds his responsibilities as a detective at odds with his new responsibilities as a Grimm.
What it’s like
Cool, rainy Portland light filtered through overcast skies, with wet streets, dim interiors and warm amber lamplight in bars and kitchens, gives Grimm a grounded, slightly gritty look that sits between police procedural and fairy-tale storybook. Camera work is mostly conventional handheld-leaning coverage of two-shots and close-ups, with occasional stylised inserts when a creature's true face is revealed, and the color palette leans on muted blues and greys punctuated by deep reds and gold. The score is orchestral and atmospheric, with ominous low strings for monster reveals and lighter, almost playful cues for the lighter procedural beats. The vibe is moody and mildly whimsical at once, a dark-urban-fantasy comfort watch for a rainy evening or a weekend binge. Pacing is episodic and brisk, each hour built around a case of the week that doubles as a stealth arc about Nick's family history and his growing isolation as he learns to see who people really are beneath their disguises. Intensity is moderate: regular violence, shootings and brawls, some gore when creatures shift or die, and tense, sometimes frightening monster scenes, though it rarely lingers on cruelty. It suits viewers who enjoy police drama with a supernatural twist and don't mind a bit of blood.
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