In Thomas Vinterberg’s latest television series “Families Like Ours,” Denmark finds itself forced to evacuate due to rising water levels and the threat of flooding. This dramatic narrative is set to have its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival this weekend, where it has already elicited mixed responses from critics.
While Soundvenue rated the series three out of six stars, arguing that its high ambitions overshadow an otherwise “brilliant premise,” film magazine Ekko’s reviewer is markedly more enthusiastic. Ekko awarded the series five out of six stars, calling it “the most engaging societal narrative in years.” Addressing themes such as the climate crisis and familial relationships, the series is described as both a “tribute and a loving admonition to the Danish people.”
The film editor from Politiken, a major Danish newspaper, refrains from assigning a star rating but characterizes “Families Like Ours” as an almost dogmatic apocalyptic series. The reviewer commends Vinterberg for opting for “the green discourse” and demonstrating how a climate catastrophe could unfold in reality.
In the series, Denmark undergoes a lockdown, necessitating the evacuation of its citizens. Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Paprika Steen play a divorced couple, Jacob and Fanny, who each head to different destinations following the lockdown. Jacob, portrayed by Lie Kaas, manages to flee to England due to his financial resources and connections, while Fanny, played by Steen, is evacuated through a public program. Amidst this chaos stands their daughter, Laura, who must choose between her parents.
“Families Like Ours” marks Vinterberg’s first television series and his first major project since the Oscar-winning film “Another Round” (“Druk”) in 2021. Regarding the series’ development, Vinterberg stated, “We made our series like a long film, because that’s what we know how to do. And I’ve learned something about incorporating cliffhangers at the end of episodes.”
Produced by Zentropa, the series will have its Danish television premiere on TV 2 Play and TV 2 on Sunday, October 20.