"Murder Mindfully" kicks off with a gripping courtroom scene, where defense lawyer Björn Diemel expertly manipulates the case to secure his client's acquittal. Right from the opening moments, the show sets a high bar, showcasing Diemel's undeniable talent as a lawyer. However, while Björn excels in his professional life, his personal life is a different story. Having failed his family repeatedly, his wife pushes him to take a mindfulness course for the sake of their daughter, Emily.
This mindfulness course ends up being a pivotal moment for Björn, teaching him techniques that help him better balance his chaotic work life with his strained personal life. But things take a dark turn when his client becomes embroiled in a dangerous situation. Instead of simply handling it through legal means, Björn opts to maintain his newfound balance—by killing his client in his car trunk while practicing mindful living. This shocking decision sets off a chain of events that sees him dive headfirst into criminality, all while keeping his mindfulness principles close to heart.
The series blends dark comedy and psychological thriller elements, creating an entertaining yet unsettling narrative. The psychopathic tendencies Björn begins to develop are juxtaposed against his seemingly calm, mindful demeanor, adding an intriguing layer to the plot. His internal monologue is just as captivating as the external events, drawing viewers into the complexities of his mind as he navigates life-or-death situations with eerie calmness. This adds up to more humor.
What makes Björn truly fascinating is how mindfulness not only helps him with work-life balance but also unlocks a darker, more dangerous side of his personality. As the series progresses, we see him transform from a skilled lawyer into a ruthless killer—potentially even a future mafia boss. This transformation is both chilling and mesmerizing, as each episode peels back another layer of his character.
Despite this descent into darkness, the only tether keeping him grounded is his daughter, Emily. In a twisted sense, she is both his motivation for change and the reason he embarks on this deadly path. His love for her adds complexity to his otherwise cold, calculated actions, making his journey even more fascinating to watch.
When it comes to the performances of the cast in Murder Mindfully, each actor brings a distinct energy and authenticity to their roles, creating a dynamic ensemble that enhances the overall viewing experience. Every character feels well-developed, thanks to the nuanced performances of the actors portraying them, but it’s Tom Schilling who truly steals the show.
Schilling’s portrayal of Björn Diemel is nothing short of remarkable. He fully immerses himself in the character, making Björn’s descent into madness feel both natural and deeply unsettling. From the start, Schilling’s performance captures the subtle layers of Björn’s personality—his sharp intellect as a lawyer, his frustrations in his personal life, and his internal conflict as he tries to embrace mindfulness while spiraling into a life of crime. As Björn’s actions grow darker and more extreme, Schilling’s performance evolves in tandem. You can almost feel the madness simmering beneath the surface, slowly taking over as he faces mounting pressures and dangerous situations.
Overall, "Murder Mindfully" delivers a unique mix of thrills and dark humor, guiding viewers through a carefully crafted story that leaves them both entertained and disturbed.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times