Berlin is once again the backdrop for a gripping tale of crime and political intrigue, as filming commences on Apple TV+’s adaptation of Philip Kerr’s Metropolis, the origin story of detective Bernie Gunther. The series, based on the late author’s popular Berlin Noir novels, brings to the screen a world of unprecedented freedom and simmering tension in 1928 Germany, a period poised on the brink of upheaval.
The project, long gestated and previously discussed with HBO and Sky, gains renewed momentum with a stellar cast led by Jack Lowden as the young Gunther, a newly promoted police officer navigating the complexities of the Berlin Murder Squad. Joining him is Oscar-winner Colin Firth, portraying Paul Lohser, a brilliant but unconventional detective who serves as Gunther’s mentor and partner. The series is directed by Tom Shankland and written by Peter Straughan, who also adapted John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and won an Academy Award for Conclave.
Kerr’s Gunther novels, often described as “Berlin Noir,” are celebrated for their atmospheric depiction of a city grappling with the aftermath of the First World War and the rising threat of Nazism. Metropolis, published posthumously in 2019, offers a unique entry point into the series, revealing the formative experiences that shape Gunther’s cynical worldview and unwavering commitment to justice. The narrative follows Gunther as he investigates a series of murders targeting those on the fringes of Berlin society, a case that exposes the dark undercurrents of a seemingly vibrant capital.
The adaptation arrives as a tribute to Kerr, who died in 2018, and a recognition of the enduring appeal of his work. His novels, beginning with March Violets in 1989, initially garnered critical acclaim but achieved wider recognition later in his career with subsequent titles like If the Dead Rise Not and Prague Fatale. Kerr’s ability to blend intricate plotting with nuanced character development and historical detail set his work apart, drawing comparisons to Raymond Chandler while forging a distinct literary identity.
Gunther, like Chandler’s Philip Marlowe, is a world-weary protagonist operating within a morally ambiguous landscape. Both detectives are characterized by a sardonic wit and a willingness to navigate the gray areas of law enforcement. However, Kerr’s novels transcend mere pastiche, delving into the specific historical and political context of interwar Germany. Gunther’s experiences – serving in the First World War, losing his wife to the Spanish influenza, and witnessing the rise of extremism – profoundly shape his character and inform his perspective on the world.
The series’ exploration of 1928 Berlin, immortalized by Christopher Isherwood, promises a vivid portrayal of a city in transition. It was a period of relative freedom and cultural flourishing, but also one marked by economic instability and growing political polarization. The looming presence of the Nazi party, described as a “distant nightmare waiting in the wings,” adds a layer of suspense and foreshadowing to the narrative. Gunther’s investigation into the serial killings serves as a microcosm of the larger societal forces at play, exposing the vulnerabilities and contradictions of Weimar Germany.
The choice to begin with Metropolis allows the series to establish Gunther’s origins and explore the formative experiences that define his character. The adaptation also opens the door to potentially adapting other novels in the Berlin Noir series, given Apple TV+’s option on the entire collection. The production, a collaboration between Bad Wolf and Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s Playtone, benefits from the experience of established television producers and filmmakers.
The timing of the series’ release is particularly resonant, given contemporary concerns about the resurgence of extremism and political polarization. The parallels between the 1920s and the present day – economic anxieties, social divisions, and the rise of nationalist ideologies – lend a sense of urgency and relevance to the story. As Gunther investigates the dark underbelly of Berlin, he confronts not only a ruthless killer but also the insidious forces that threaten to undermine the foundations of democracy.
The series’ success will hinge on its ability to capture Kerr’s distinctive voice and the atmospheric intensity of his novels. Screenwriter Peter Straughan faces the challenge of translating Kerr’s meticulous historical research and complex characterizations to the screen while maintaining the narrative momentum and suspense that define the Berlin Noir series. With a talented cast and experienced production team, Apple TV+’s adaptation of Metropolis has the potential to introduce a new generation of viewers to the world of Bernie Gunther and the enduring legacy of Philip Kerr.
