WOMAN OF THE DEAD, Season Two: Heartstopping Thrills

How far would you go to solve a loved one’s disappearance if the police were no help? Or their murder? Even if the truth puts your own life at risk? Netflix has recently released season two of its slept-on Austrian thriller Totenfrau, or Woman of the Dead. Based on the novel by Bernhard Aichner, the show is back with more thrills, more action, and more bodies.

Digging Up the Past

Picking up two years after the horrific events of season one, Blum (Anna Maria Mühe) discovers that her dark secrets and those of others are back from the grave – figuratively and literally. Joined by her trusty colleague Reza (Yousef Sweid), she rushes to stay one step ahead of both the police and the people trying to kill her. Some, however, may be one and the same.

The main players from last season are back again: Blum, Reza, ski resort tycoon Johanna. Schönborn (Michou Friesz), and police chief Danzberger (Robert Palfrader). Blum’s kids,Nela and Tim, now a few years older, also get their own subplots, which is a welcome addition to an already engaged and tightly-woven narrative. There are also some new faces, primarily Criminal Intelligence Inspector Wallner (Britta Hammelstein), who is hell-bent on putting Blum away…if only she could prove it. The series primarily focuses on the tension and mystery, but when it does get to the action, it really goes for it. Now that Blum has taken some self-defense training as well, she hits back a bit harder than she did last season. There isn’t a lot of gore, but there are heavy themes of trafficking and torture that may be difficult for some viewers.

From a technical perspective, Woman of the Dead is beautiful as well. The effects and sound design enhance the energy of the show, along with its tense and at-times haunting score tinged with synth and gives it an almost neo-noir vibe. The backdrop of the Austrian mountains makes for some vast, gorgeous background shots as well as set pieces for some harrowing events that will not be spoiled here. The cinematography is to be commended as well, utilizing both tight, tense shots and wide, fluid camerawork to imbue some style to its riveting substance.

Woman of the Dead: A Bingeworthy Thriller

Would I say the sophomore season of Woman of the Dead is better than the first? No, no I wouldn’t. Both are intense, gripping seasons, the latter has just cast a wider narrative net that takes a bit away from the focused drive of the first season. However, with a powerful cast, an intense mystery, and a hard-hitting and darkly funny lead, this show is still worth binging with the hopes of a third season on the way. With only six episodes per season, it won’t take long.

Both seasons of Woman of the Dead are now streaming on Netflix.