Doppelganger (TV series)

Doppelganger is a Polish crime thriller television series released on Netflix in 2023. The series, directed by Jan Holoubek and Bartłomiej Ignaciuk, is set in 1978 and 2018, intertwining narratives across these two time periods.

The 1978 storyline follows Hans Steiner (Jakub Gierszał), an intelligence officer in East Berlin involved in a clandestine operation. The 2018 storyline centers on Paweł (also played by Jakub Gierszał), a successful family man and entrepreneur in Warsaw, Poland, whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted when evidence emerges suggesting a connection to the Cold War-era intelligence operation.

The series explores themes of identity, betrayal, political intrigue, and the long-lasting consequences of decisions made during the Cold War. As Paweł investigates his past, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and conspiracies that force him to question everything he thought he knew about himself and his family. The parallel narratives gradually converge, revealing the link between the two characters and the true nature of the "Doppelganger" operation.

The series features a cast including Tomasz Schuchardt, Andrzej Seweryn, and Wiktoria Gorodeckaja. It has been noted for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and atmospheric recreation of both the 1970s and contemporary settings. While reviews have praised the acting and cinematography, some criticism has been directed at the pacing and complexity of the plot.