When Max Originals released its first Polish crime series on April 1, 2022, no one expected such international success. Yet, "The Thaw", directed by Xawery Żuławski, immediately became a hit in over 60 countries, breaking all kinds of records. Riding the wave of that popularity, a decision was made to create a sequel, and the first episodes have already debuted on the platform, achieving equally spectacular results.
What Is the Second Season of "The Thaw" About? The First Three Episodes Are Already a Sensation on the Platform
The second season of "The Thaw 2" premiered on August 23, 2024, with only three out of six episodes released so far. But that was enough for the show to win over viewers, topping the Max charts in 11 European countries. What's the plot about?
The new season once again focuses on the lives of the police officers from the Szczecin precinct, this time as they work to take down a human trafficking ring. Unexpectedly, the investigation becomes complicated when Zawieja, a thirty-something officer, starts to suspect that someone close to her might be involved. Will her suspicions prove true? We’ll find out soon, with the fourth episode set to premiere on September 13.
"The Thaw 2" Could Repeat the Success of the Original. Żuławski Credits the Screenplay
The undeniable success of "The Thaw" can be attributed to many factors, especially the captivating script written by Kevin Rundele and Bartosz Janiszewski.
We have here a powerful, imagination-stirring story of a 30-year-old woman who could be any of us, fighting for the ordinary days of her life. I feel a strong imperative in this story - someone who has lost something or someone, someone who has committed the sin of neglect, both towards others and themselves, and someone who knows and believes that nothing is granted to us forever
- the director shared in an interview with WP.
This is echoed by viewers' opinions, which often praise the stunning cinematography showcasing Szczecin and its industrial surroundings, shot by Tomasz Naumiuk and Marian Prokop. However, some viewers have expressed disappointment with a lack of coherence in certain plotlines.
A World-Class Production
A well-executed production. It’s dense and atmospheric. It keeps you engaged without feeling bored
- wrote users on the Filmweb portal.
The star-studded cast also played a crucial role in the show's success. The lead role was portrayed by Katarzyna Wajda, with notable performances by Andrzej Grabowski, Ewa Skibińska, Bartłomiej Kotschedoff, and Juliusz Chrząstowski. New characters were brought to life by Michał Czarnecki, Nikodem Rozbicki, Eryk Kulm, Agnieszka Dygant, Mirosław Zbrojewicz, Andrzej Konopka, and Tomasz Schuchardt.
