"Tatort" Unraveled: A Bizarre Enigma
Under the Allure of Long Locks: The Magnetism Explored
Jump into the twisted world of our "Tatort" scribe's affection for nearby puns. So, is "Rapunzel" worth a watch? Let's delve in to find out.
Synopsis
Things spiral out of control in Zurich when the lifeless body of a young woman, Vanessa (Elena Flury), is found dangling from a tree. Her distinctive haircut showcases a shocking secret—her shaved head on one side. Detectives Grandjean (Anna Pieri Zurcher) and Ott (Carol Schuler) zero in on an eerie setup. As the investigation unfolds, they discover Vanessa had less-than-kosher ties to a hairdressing empire and a hidden, shady business peddling illegal human hair.
Meanwhile, Lynn (Elsa Langnese), Vanessa's partner, finds herself under the shadow of danger by refusing to cooperate. With time running out, the police rush to stop further atrocities from unfolding.
The Nitty-Gritty
Bizarrely enough, this drama entangles the scandalous dealings of the wig industry, aiming for high profits through counterfeit human hair. Director Tobias Ineichen has stated, "The style is intentionally over-the-top, without hindering the believable investigation of the detectives." Though not forming a split lip, that bold assertion rings hollow.
Worth a Skim?
With its "exaggerated style," "Rapunzel" boasts several opportunities to flip the channel. You could do so after the bone-chilling chase sequence in the stairwell at the start, which might send a shiver down your spine.
Highlight Moment?
A sight that's bound to leave an impression: a petite self-storage room swarming with wigs worth an astounding 100,000 francs. The detectives' snarky quip, "It appears you can reap a substantial profit from hair," adds some unintentional humor to the scene.
Rating
5 out of 10.Amid mediocre acting, mediocre plot twists, and a few laughs, this not-so-gleaming episode earns a minor reprieve thanks to its absurd topic and inadvertent chuckles.
Source: ntv.de
Genre
- Crime Drama
- Murder Mystery
- Police Procedural
- "Tatort" TV Series
Trivia
- The grim discovery of the bodies and the investigative journey of detectives Grandjean and Ott in the "Rapunzel" episode sets against the backdrop of the illegal hair trade and wig industry's hidden underbelly.
- Critics have noted that despite the riveting setting and thematic exploration, the episode struggles to maintain a gripping narrative throughout its runtime.
- The visually stunning depiction of Vanessa's lifeless body, with her shaved head adorned by contrasting long, blonde hair, serves as a chilling visual reminder of the themes of hair, beauty, and exploitation that run throughout the episode.
Television and movies belonging to the genres of crime drama, murder mystery, and police procedural, such as the "Tatort" series, often delve into the darkness of general news and crime-and-justice, including the investigation of crimes like manslaughter and the unveiling of a crime scene. In the particular episode titled "Rapunzel," Entertainment enthusiasts might find interest in the storyline, which revolves around a controversial hair industry scandal, offering a blend of mystery, absurdity, and unintentional humor.
