With “The Zen Murders”, this German series with an offbeat tone enjoys the quest for balance of Björn, lawyer and assassin (almost) in spite of himself!
It has been available since October 31 and in just a few days, the German black comedy The Zen Murders has established itself at the head of Netflix's top series.
What is it about?
Following mindfulness therapy, Björn Diemel, a mafia lawyer, begins to eliminate those who harm his life balance. Played by Tom Schilling, Björn leads a comfortable life thanks to his services to Dragan Sergowicz, a gang leader, whom he helps launder money and avoid prison.
However, this stressful life begins to cost him dearly, especially his relationship with his wife and daughter. His wife's suggestion to take mindfulness classes will transform Björn, who, although reluctant, sees it as a way to regain control.
A mix of dark humor and violence
The first episode sets the tone with Björn, who, between meditation and bloody acts, begins to eliminate those who compromise his well-being. The plot is set in motion when Björn accidentally leaves Dragan to die in the trunk of his car, a “blunder” that marks the start of his transformation.
The series skillfully plays on the contrast between relaxation practices and violence, adding a touch of dark humor reminiscent of Dexter or American Psycho. This discrepancy is reinforced by the moments where Björn seems serene while cutting up bodies, which underlines the irreverent tone of the series.
A compact and efficient format
With only eight episodes of 30 minutes each, The Zen Murders can be binged in one evening. The well-paced episodes decipher Björn's evolution without overloading the plot. This short format seems to be a relevant choice for a series marked by its dark humor, allowing a gradual increase in intensity while keeping the spectators' attention.
With a plot that unfolds quickly and careful staging, the series manages to make the daily life of this killer lawyer strangely accessible. Tom Schilling's interpretation, a mixture of coldness and irony, helps to make this character sufficiently interesting.
Without being a revolution, Les Meurtres zen offers fast and effective entertainment for fans of dark thrillers and biting comedies. No wonder the series took first place on the Netflix top.
