Both seasons of the acclaimed Nordic noir crime drama Black Sands are now available to stream for free on the UK platform U. The series follows police officer Aníta Elínardóttir (played by Aldís Amah Hamilton) as she returns to her hometown in Iceland after 14 years, only to be drawn into a murder investigation that forces her to confront her past.
Plot and Reception
The first season, released in 2021, sees Aníta returning home just as a woman's body is discovered, leading her into the dark abyss of her own history. The second season, which dropped in 2024, consists of eight episodes and delves into the abuse of girls at a foster home years earlier. Aníta is joined by Reykjavík police officer Gústi, the father of her child, as they investigate another mysterious death.
Viewers have praised the series for its gripping narrative and atmospheric setting. IMDb user totts123 called it a 'brilliant noir' and added: 'Not sure why this isn't rated higher. I loved it. A slow burn that pays off at the end. Dark and atmospheric. Interesting and highly flawed characters. Beautiful location.' Another user, steven-222, compared it to the BBC's hit thriller The Fall, describing it as 'a decidedly earnest and in some ways fearless work. And very, very grim.'
Criticisms and Comparisons
While many applaud the show's subtle brutality and haunting Icelandic landscape, some critics have noted its slow pacing. One viewer described the pace as 'glacial,' suggesting it may not appeal to all audiences. However, the overall reception remains positive, with grasshopper2021 calling it 'brilliant, black and bleak like the Icelanders (and Nordics) do best.'
Other Nordic Noir Recommendations
For fans of the genre, several similar thrillers are available on Netflix. The Åre Murders follows a Stockholm detective investigating a young girl's disappearance at a ski resort. Deadwind (2018) centers on a widowed detective probing the murder of a social affairs consultant. The Chestnut Man (2021) begins with a chestnut figurine found at a murder scene, leading detectives to a killer linked to a politician's missing child.
Black Sands seasons one and two are streaming exclusively on U in the UK.
