War Sailor (Krigsseileren) is the latest Netflix series which is based on the 2022 film of the same name. Written and directed by Gunnar Vikene, the series is produced by Maria Ekerhovd, Karsten Stöter, Pierre Ellul, and Anika Psaila Savona.
The cast of the series includes Kristoffer Joner as Alfred aka Freddy, Ine Marie Wilmann as Cecilia, Pål Sverre Hagen as Sigbjørn aka Wally, Henrikke Lund Olsen as Magdeli, Arthur Hakalahti as Braathen, Téa Grønner Joner, Siv Torin Knudsen Petersen, Armand Hannestad, Daniel Berg, Noah Nygård, Oskar Hallaråker Hellesøy, Leon Tobias Slettbakk as Aksel, Alexandra Gjerpen as Hanna and others.
Netflix’s description of the series reads:
When WWII erupts, two sailors on a Norwegian merchant ship face brutal conditions as they fight to survive a conflict they were never asked to join
-War Sailor Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
The story follows Alfred Garnes, a working-class sailor, who has recently become the father of a third child. Not being able to find a stable job, he along with his friend Sigbjørn Kvalen aka Wally finds work on a merchant ship, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
But when World War II breaks out, they unwillingly become unarmed civilians on the front lines of the war when Norway was under siege by the Germans. The two men struggle for survival in a spiral of violence and death, where at any moment German submarines may attack their valuable vessels. They live every day with fear for their lives while also constantly losing their fellow sailors.
On the other hand, Alfred’s wife Cecilia is all alone in Bergen when war breaks out, raising three children on her own, not knowing whether she will ever see her husband again. The 18-month job soon turns into years with no news about each other’s whereabouts. Not knowing if their loved one is even alive, they try to survive in the difficult times somehow.
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Alfred’s story reflects the lives of ordinary people at that time, looking for work and trying to survive in difficult times – both financially and literally. We follow how things changed for the worse, starting from 1939, before Germany’s occupation of Norway and how soon after it took a dark turn until the next few years.
We see how much his family is worried about him sailing for extensive months and the news of merchant ships getting lost and the demise of loved ones, don’t really help their situation any better. What I really liked about the series is how it explores everything happening around them through the intricate relationships among the characters.
At first, we are introduced to the two friends, Freddy and Wally, who want each other to do better in life & decide to stick together for the sake of it. We see how they truly cherish each other when faced with difficult and even deadly situations, they look out for the other. This is also one of the reasons why the ending makes it so heartbreaking to watch, considering we know their deep history.
Similarly, we get to see what kind of people they are when they interact with their newfound family on the ship. Whether it is Hanna, Braathen, Monsen, or Aksel – each character showcases the various thoughts/choices one could have while being stuck in war-stricken waters. The fate of each one shows how it could have been their fate as well, yet they have their journey.
The dilemma of keeping on sailing & living a life with death traps everywhere or running away & getting tagged as a deserter/traitor; but having a chance at living a full life – makes it quite complicated.
Many war-based films and shows often depend on the action and tragedy for the shock value, whereas, here everything lies in day-to-day life which is full of various ranging moments. Also, the viewpoint of how the families keep on living despite not knowing the fate of their family members is something that is not always explored.
Final Thoughts: War Sailor
It is a definite watch which makes you contemplate the fate of the lead character. Oftentimes, all you want is for the lead character to fight against all odds and make it to the finish line but here I started to wonder if it would have been better if Alfred didn’t come back at all. It’s a beautiful yet heartbreaking story of true friendship, love and survival which doesn’t always guarantee a good end ahead.
War Sailor is currently streaming on Netflix.