In the shadows of Poland’s majestic Tatra Mountains, brimming with secrets, a chilling mystery takes shape. A series of brutal murders, strange symbols, and a trail that stretches back to World War II set the tone for Forst, one of Netflix’s most gripping Polish crime thrillers of 2024. Led by rebellious investigator Wiktor Forst, the story combines present-day criminal intrigue with buried wartime secrets in a suspense-filled six-episode journey. As the truth inches closer, the stakes rise—and the mountains keep their silence.
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What It’s About
The series opens on the slopes of Giewont, where a man’s body is discovered—positioned ritualistically and marked with strange symbols. Commissioner Wiktor Forst is called in, but his unconventional methods quickly lead to his suspension. Refusing to step aside, he partners with investigative journalist Olga Szrebska, determined to uncover the truth behind the killing.
What begins as a modern-day murder investigation spirals into a labyrinth of buried crimes, wartime legacies, and shadowy networks that challenge both moral and legal boundaries. As Forst and Szrebska chase leads from mountaintops to government offices, the story blends noir-style suspense with historical trauma—raising the question: how far can justice go when the past refuses to die?
Filming Locations – The Tatras as a Character
Forst was filmed on location in Zakopane, Nowy Targ, and Warsaw, with the rugged beauty of the Tatra Mountains playing a central role in the show’s atmosphere. The dramatic peaks, remote trails, and isolated villages aren’t just a backdrop—they become an integral part of the narrative, heightening the tension and sense of mystery. From snow-covered forests to windswept ridges, the natural setting reflects the show’s darker themes of isolation, legacy, and buried secrets. The authenticity of the location grounds the story in a very real Polish landscape, adding to its emotional and visual impact.
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Cast and Production
Directed by Daniel Jaroszek, known for the film Johnny, this 6-episode miniseries features a script by Agata Malesińska, Jacek Markiewicz, and Marcin Cecko.
Borys Szyc brings charisma and edge to Wiktor Forst, anchoring the series with a performance that’s both intense and deeply human. He’s joined by Zuzanna Saporznikow as fearless journalist Olga Szrebska, whose pursuit of truth balances Forst’s impulsive nature.
- Andrzej Bienias as Inspector Edmund Osica, balancing his duty to Forst with the demands of higher-ups.
- Kamilla Baar as prosecutor Dominika Wardyś-Hansen, whose relationship with Forst is as complicated as the cases they investigate.
- Aleksandra Grabowska as Agata Osica, Edmund’s daughter, adding a familial dimension to the narrative.
- Szymon Wróblewski as Staszek Kowalik, a key witness in the unfolding investigation.
- Artur Barciś as Minister Jarosław Rozwadowski, whose political connections further entangle the investigation.
- Małgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik portrays Halina Król-Sznajderman, a character with a shadowy past from the wartime era.
Forst – Why should you watch it?
Forst captivates not only with its enthralling storyline but also with its stellar cast and evocative cinematography, perfectly capturing the rugged beauty of the Tatra landscape. It’s a must-see for fans of crime dramas and mysteries set against a historical backdrop.
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What Critics Are Saying
Forst has been praised for its layered narrative, atmospheric cinematography, and strong performances. Borys Szyc’s portrayal of Forst has been called “magnetic,” while the show’s structure and pacing draw comparisons to Nordic noir – with a Polish historical twist. Viewers have highlighted the tension between past and present as one of the series’ greatest strengths, noting how it reflects national traumas without slipping into cliché. While some reviews mention that the mystery can feel overwhelming at times, most agree the ride is well worth it.
Is Forst Based on a True Story?
Forst is not based on real events, but it draws heavily on Poland’s wartime history and cultural memory. The show is adapted from the bestselling novels by Remigiusz Mróz, one of Poland’s most prolific crime writers. Through fictional characters and conspiracies, the series explores how the unresolved trauma of World War II continues to echo in modern-day Poland, lending a powerful layer of realism to the thriller.
Forst – All the Info
- Original title: Forst
- Genre: Thriller, crime, drama
- Country of production: Poland
- Original language: Polish
- Year of release: 2024
- Duration: 1 season – 6 episodes
- Director: Daniel Jaroszek
- Main cast: Borys Szyc, Zuzanna Saporznikow, Kamilla Baar, Andrzej Bienias, Aleksandra Grabowska
- Production: Endemol Shine Polska for Netflix
Forst – Trailer
Curious about this gripping tale? Check out the trailer below! You can stream Forst on Netflix.
This article was originally published in Polish on www.netflixmania.pl.