Watch Umbre

Umbre is a Romanian crime drama television series that premiered in 2014 and ran for three seasons, concluding in 2019. The show follows the story of Relu Oncescu (played by Serban Pavlu), a family man and taxi driver who leads a double life as a debt collector for a local mafia boss.

Set in a gritty and realistic portrayal of Bucharest, Romania, Umbre delves into the criminal underworld while also exploring themes of family, loyalty, and morality. Relu's life becomes increasingly complicated as he struggles to maintain his secret lifestyle while also dealing with the everyday challenges of family life.

Pavlu delivers a standout performance as Relu, a man who is torn between his desire to provide for his family and his dark responsibilities to his criminal employer. The character is complex and layered, with a deep sense of morality that is often at odds with the violent and dangerous world he inhabits.

The supporting cast is also impressive, with Maria Obretin playing Gina, Relu's wife, who is unaware of her husband's double life. Andreea Vasile plays Magda, a police officer who becomes obsessed with bringing Relu to justice.

One of the standout elements of Umbre is its gritty and realistic portrayal of Bucharest. The city is almost a character in itself, with its dark alleys and looming apartment blocks providing the perfect backdrop for the criminal activity that takes place. The show pulls no punches in its depiction of violence and the harsh realities of life in the Romanian capital.

Despite its dark subject matter, Umbre is not without its moments of humor and humanity. Relu's interactions with his fellow debt collectors provide some comic relief, while his relationship with his children is both touching and realistic.

Overall, Umbre is a well-crafted and gripping crime drama that explores complex themes of morality and family within a gritty and realistic setting. It's a show that is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and push its characters to their limits, resulting in a compelling and memorable viewing experience.

Umbre is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (21 episodes). The series first aired on December 28, 2014.