Fortitude

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Fortitude Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Sophisticated snowbound mystery is slow, bloody, compelling.

Pivot, Amazon Prime Video Drama 2015
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Parents say

age 17+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 16+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Fortitude is a sophisticated murder mystery thriller that features lots of mature content, including cursing, nudity, simulated sex acts, and gruesome images of maulings, severed limbs, and bloody injuries. Set in a Norwegian frontier town when people are "guaranteed the quiet life," the show features many sweeping shots of snowscapes as well as the troubling activities that occur in "the world's safest place." Starring a cast of seasoned British and American actors, Fortitude is wonderfully acted and beautifully filmed, but its slower pace may be most appealing to grown-up mystery buffs.

Community Reviews

Sally smith
Sally smith Adult
January 13, 2019
age 18+

Fascinating but horrifying

This is definitely and adults only show and I struggled getting some of the really graphic images out of my mind. Complete nudity in one episode, vivid sex scene in another...without nudity, but leaving little to the imagination. The story line sucked me in and I agree the acting is good, but it is impossible to un-see the image of a woman hacking her mother open and rummaging inside her chest cavity.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Dafydd
Dafydd Adult
December 11, 2018
age 15+

First-rate psychological drama

For anyone who likes whodunnits, this is an adrenaline rush. Yes, there’s sex, nudity, swearing and violence, but it’s realistic and not really gratuitous unless you subscribe to prudishness. It’s mostly great acting and a thrilling plot.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

FORTITUDE is a British dramatic series about a fictional Norwegian frontier boomtown called Fortitude located north of the Arctic Circle. Touted as an idyllic place for true nature lovers, it's sleepy and crime-free. Overseeing the town and its international residents is Sheriff Dan Anderssen (Richard Dormer), who also works to support Governor Odegard (Sofie Gråbøl) in her efforts to launch a premier glacier hotel. But after the violent murder of a researcher who could put a stop to that project, Anderssen finds himself investigating a homicide alongside DCI murder detective Eugene Morton (Stanley Tucci). Meanwhile, residents such as Jules and Frank Sutter (Jessica Raine and Nicholas Pinnock) and Henry Tyson (Michael Gambon) are coping with their own demons.

Is It Any Good?

This dark but traditional murder mystery is full of twists and turns as the personal narratives of Fortitude's residents intertwine with the town's behind-the-scenes political and questionable activities. The relationships between the characters and with their icy environment give the show an extra layer of psychological intrigue.

There's not a lot of action, but with compelling actors such as Tucci and Gambon and carefully crafted story lines, there are enough tension-filled moments to keep viewers' interest. More importantly, the longer you watch, the less confident you'll feel about who-dun-it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes a successful murder mystery show. Is it the crime itself? The investigation? Or having to constantly rethink who is guilty of the crime?

  • Is it necessary to show things such as violence, sex, and smoking to produce an interesting or successful TV show? Why?

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