Watch The Heavy Water War

The Heavy Water War is a suspenseful six-part Norwegian television drama series that takes place during World War II. Starring Espen Klouman-Høiner, Christoph Bach, Anna Friel, Pip Torrens, Dennis Storhøi, David Zimmerschied, Søren Pilmark, Stein Winge, Maibritt Saerens, Espen Reboli Bjerke, and Andreas Döhler, this show revolves around the race to develop the atomic bomb between Germany and the Allies.

Set in Norway, the series begins with the Germans occupying the country, and the Norwegian resistance struggling to protect their people against the occupation. Several young Norwegian scientists are among those supporting the resistance efforts, particularly around Vemork, which is a factory that produces heavy water, a vital ingredient in the production of atomic weapons.

The German military is keen to get their hand on the heavy water as it provides them with a significant step in their race to create the atomic bomb. German leader, Werner Heisenberg, is heading the development of the bomb and he has the stakes raised high as time runs out in this battle for the future. In retaliation, the Allies form a group called the Norwegian Resistance Movement and task them with sabotaging the factory, interrupting the production of heavy water and subsequently impeding Germany's ability to develop a bomb.

The Heavy Water War follows the story from both sides of the conflict as they fight in a battle for power and progress. The series depicts the political negotiations, the technological complexities and the intense human drama, which drives this historical story towards its climax. Productionwise is The Heavy Water War a high quality, intelligently written and tightly paced show.

Through a series of cunning and daring operations, the Norwegian Resistance is successful in thwarting the Germans and delay their efforts towards atomic weapon development by a year. The show presents the chilling consequences of the slightest mistake, and the paranoia set in on either side through a brilliant storyline that captures the complex tension between those involved. It also does a fantastic job of showing how both sides are human, and neither one is entirely in the right or wrong.

Additionally, the show does an excellent job of recreating the historical context, accentuating the intensity and emotional turmoil that raged during one of the most significant moments of the Second World War. The cast is meticulous at depicting the critical roles they play and the weighty responsibilities that come with them. Christoph Bach is particularly compelling as Heisenberg, and his colleagues are very much the stereotypical genius scientists that you would expect. Espen Klouman-Høiner is outstanding as the valiant part-time soldier and full-time scientist, and Anna Friel is a scene-stealer in her role.

The Heavy Water War is gripping from the opening scene to the end of the final episode, with every twist and turn in the invasion keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. Yes, the show is confined by its historical context, but it tells the story incredibly well, with suspense, action, and drama. The series' technical aspects are also noteworthy, with high-quality period detail, soldiers crammed inside jeep wranglers, explosions, and gunfights all authentically staged and framed well.

Overall, The Heavy Water War is an excellent historical drama that balances its compelling characters with intricate plotting and exceptional tension. It is a fantastic show for those interested in military history, espionage, drama, and politics. Through excellent production values, a talented cast, and a true story that needs to be told, The Heavy Water War is worth the time investment of six hours.

The Heavy Water War is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on January 5, 2015.