Hraunið

I have watched the Lava Field right after watching the first season which is The Cliff. I must say that the second season is better than the first season. The story is a bit typical but much better compared to first season. Nevertheless it is not better than other Icelandic series such as Trapped or Katla. However this season keeps you interested in the story and you can watch it without getting bored. The acting is quite good and Icelandic landscape is really beautiful as usual. The ending of the serie was a bit poor for that reason 7 points over 10. If the ending was better this season could deserve 8 points in my view. Watch it !

One of the most exciting crime series I ever saw.

Islands beautyfull and yet somehow frightening landscapes are part of the characteristics and of the story.

The story is gripping, thrilling, absorbing.

I binge watched it and I recommend it for a rainy weekend, too.

I am probably very biased, since I am fascinated by the Icelandic language and culture. I really like this series. Very similar to The Cliff. If desperately needs a follow up season. Looks like one may be in the works, but probably delayed. Cannot find information on it.

I don't understand the poor reviews this series received. My wife and I really enjoyed the series. It's a little complicated, but it all comes together in the end. We hope they make some more seasons. BTW - we have probably watched 30 detective series from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Sweden, Denmark. We have seen some really bad ones; The Lava Field is way above average.

Even now, Iceland has a low crime rate, but "big crime" is yet present, particularly drugs and money laundry related ones. So, from time to time, the police cannot confine themselves to regular constable work, but have to deal with international malpractices and violent management of affairs.

Unlike in Hamarinn where standard issue crime drama story lines and characters were intertwined with (super)natural phenomena and abilities, Hraunið is an "ordinary" crime series where solution is reached without mythological issues or visions. Again, the acting is good, beautifully harsh Icelandic nature visible, but there was still something that fell short for me, falling behind e.g. Ófærð and other films where Baltasar Kormákur is usually involved. Several links between the past and present remained vague, and long chases and shootings do not somehow fit in... Some characters and scenes provided no additional value, and the ending came a bit hurriedly.

But still, if you like Nordic people and nature and expect a kind of thrill and dark forces, then Hraunið lets you spend pleasant hours in front of screen.