The Norwegian psychological thriller A Better Man, which recently dominated the Canneseries festival, is a production that demands your full attention. In just four episodes, it managed to secure both the Best Series award and the Best Performance trophy for lead actor Anders Baasmo.
The story plunges us into the digital trenches of Tom Hallsténsen, a bitter, “incel” internet troll who spends his days spitting venom and misogynistic rage against what he calls the “vaginal state.” Tom is a multi-faceted, three-dimensional character—not a caricature, but a smart yet frustrated man who blames feminism for his personal misery. When a famous comedian reads his comments on national television, Tom is instantly unmasked by hackers and transformed into the country’s most reviled figure.
Driven to a critical breaking point of perceived persecution, Tom adopts the identity of “Berit.” What follows is a captivating journey where he is forced to navigate society wearing women’s clothes. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a brutal, yet poignant exploration of identity.
The director masterfully balances the pace of a “roller-coaster” thriller with a touch of comedy, filtering heavy drama through a lens of sharp irony without diluting the force of its social critique. The realism is enhanced by Baasmo’s performance, capturing the complexity of a man who feels neglected in the most gender-equal region of the world.
The series avoids moralizing, forcing us instead to confront the deeper social roots of toxic masculinity and online harassment. It is a bold and essential production that challenges our perceptions of power and empathy.
The Verdict: It’s worth watching. It is a stunning, captivating audiovisual experience that will stay with you long after the series ends.
Read more:
