The Swarm (2023)

  "Nature Strikes Back"

The Swarm is a 2023 German co-produced science fiction television series directed by Barbara Eder, Luke Watson, and Philipp Stölzl. Adapted from Frank Schätzing's 2004 novel Der Schwarm, the series delves into the ecological thriller genre, exploring the delicate interconnectedness between humanity and Earth. Produced with an estimated budget of €40 million, it stands as the most expensive German TV production (in English) to date .

The narrative unfolds as a series of mysterious events disrupt the world's oceans: whales destroy boats, deep-sea crabs attack beaches, and mussels paralyze container ships. A previously unknown ice worm destabilizes continental slopes, triggering tsunamis, and a deadly pathogen spreads from the coasts in drinking water. These anomalies lead a group of international scientists to the Arctic Ocean, where they uncover a collective intelligence residing in the deep sea. This intelligence, having suffered from human-induced environmental damage, has decided to retaliate against mankind .

The series boasts a diverse international cast, including Cécile de France, Alexander Karim, Leonie Benesch, and Joshua Odjick. The cinematography by David Luther and Dominik Berg captures the vastness and isolation of the oceanic settings, enhancing the series' atmospheric tension .

Critics have lauded The Swarm for its ambitious storytelling and high production values. The series premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival in February 2023, showcasing its first three episodes . Its global distribution includes platforms like ZDF, RAI, France Télévisions, Viaplay, Movistar, ORF, SRF, and Hulu Japan, with the U.S. rights acquired by The CW .