The Copenhagen Test, the new six-part Danish psychological thriller now streaming on Netflix, has quickly become one of the most talked-about international series of the year, blending tense family drama with ethical dilemmas in a way that leaves viewers questioning their own moral boundaries.
Created by acclaimed screenwriter Bo Hr. Hansen (The Bridge, Borgen) and directed by Christoffer Boe (The Rain), the series centres on a groundbreaking but controversial medical trial in Copenhagen. A revolutionary gene therapy promises to eradicate hereditary diseases, but it requires testing on healthy embryos — sparking fierce debate between science, ethics, and personal ambition.
At the heart of the story is Dr. Anna Lund (Sidse Babett Knudsen in a career-defining performance), a brilliant geneticist leading the trial. Her marriage to journalist Jakob (Anders W. Berthelsen) begins to fracture when he uncovers potential cover-ups within the project. Their teenage daughter, Freja (newcomer Alba August), becomes unexpectedly entangled when she discovers she may carry the very gene the trial aims to eliminate.
What sets The Copenhagen Test apart is its refusal to offer easy answers. Each episode peels back layers of deception, exploring themes of parental love, scientific responsibility, and the cost of progress. The writing is razor-sharp, with dialogue that feels authentic to the Danish setting while remaining universally relatable.
Knudsen delivers a masterclass as Anna — a woman torn between saving future generations and protecting her own family. Her quiet moments of doubt are as powerful as the explosive confrontations. Supporting performances from Berthelsen and August add emotional depth, creating a family dynamic that feels painfully real.
Visually, the series is stunning. Boe’s direction uses Copenhagen’s sleek modern architecture and cold winter light to mirror the clinical detachment of the research facility, contrasting it with the warmth (and eventual chaos) of the Lund home.
Critics have been unanimous in praise. The Guardian called it “the smartest thriller since Your Honor,” while Variety hailed it as “a worthy successor to The Killing in moral complexity.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a near-perfect 98%, with audiences praising its slow-burn tension and shocking final twist.
At just six episodes, The Copenhagen Test is perfect binge material — thought-provoking without being preachy, thrilling without relying on cheap jumpscares. It asks difficult questions about how far we’d go to protect our children, and whether some scientific advances come at too high a price.
In a streaming landscape crowded with formulaic crime dramas, this Danish gem stands out for its intelligence, emotional honesty, and refusal to provide neat resolutions. It’s the kind of series that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting late-night discussions about ethics, family, and the future of medicine.
Whether you’re a fan of Scandinavian noir or simply crave intelligent television, The Copenhagen Test is essential viewing — a masterful exploration of the human cost behind scientific breakthrough.