Behind this intense drama is Wouter Bouvijn, the Belgian director who’s already made a name for himself with critically acclaimed series like The Twelve and Red Light. At just 35, Bouvijn has already won an Oscar (yes, you read that right) for his short film Crossroad and has directed some of the most engaging TV out there.
Bouvijn doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting stories, and with 1985, he’s taken on a national tragedy with both precision and humanity. The series was first showcased at CanneSeries 2022, and it’s clear why. He’s got that rare ability to blend gripping storytelling with striking visuals, and he does it with a level of finesse that’ll have you hooked from the first frame.
Sure, 1985 is based on real events, but it’s not just another cold, documentary-style true crime show. This series focuses on three main characters — Marc, Franky, and Vicky — who, as young friends, get caught up in the chaotic world of the Brabant killers. They enter the police academy, all bright-eyed and full of hope, only to be dragged into a corrupt system where moral lines blur, and trust is a luxury they can’t afford.
Marc and Franky are on a path to becoming cops, but as they investigate the murders, they realize that the lines between good and bad, right and wrong, are more complicated than they ever imagined. Vicky, meanwhile, is trying to stay on the right side of the law, but her life gets intertwined with theirs in ways that change everything.
This is what makes 1985 stand out: it’s not just about the crimes, it’s about the personal stakes. It’s a raw look at how good people get broken when systems fail them.
One of the biggest strengths of 1985 is how it blends real-life events with fictional characters. While the gang and their crimes are well-documented, the show uses its fictional trio to take us deeper into the emotional and psychological turmoil that these events caused. It’s a fine balance of historical accuracy and emotional storytelling that makes 1985 more than just a crime series — it’s a human drama wrapped in the chaos of the 1980s.
The soundtrack? Total banger. Expect an 80s vibe with hits from Blondie and TC Matic, giving you that perfect retro feel while keeping the tension high. It’s not just a trip down memory lane — it’s the kind of show that makes the past feel alive and relevant to today’s world.
In episode 1983, the tension between Marc and Franky really hits a breaking point. Franky gets into the elite “Team Diane” unit — more because he kept quiet during a major incident than any actual merit — while Marc digs deeper into a series of brutal murders. Their friendship starts to crack, and Vicky’s role in Marc’s life grows more complicated. Add to this the increasingly violent supermarket robberies, and you’ve got a perfect storm of personal and societal breakdown.
While this episode might not hit as hard as others, it’s crucial to the story’s evolution. The stakes are raised, and the characters are no longer just innocent bystanders in the chaos — they’re becoming part of it, whether they want to or not.
What makes 1985 even more powerful is its social commentary. The show isn’t afraid to dive into the political and cultural divisions of 1980s Belgium, reflecting how polarization and fear of the “other” shaped society at the time. The opening scene, where Vicky asks her listeners on a pirate radio station whether they feel forced to choose between “good or bad, heart or head,” sets the tone for the whole series.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a biting critique of the political atmosphere, with Marc and Franky entering the police academy and being welcomed with a speech about how they’ll be the “real” heroes, despite being labeled as uneducated or even racist by the public. It’s a reminder that, as much as things change, certain societal struggles persist.
Despite his impressive TV resume, Bouvijn’s first love has always been film, and after a project like 1985, it wouldn’t be surprising if he ventured into directing a feature film next. He’s got the vision, the storytelling chops, and the cinematic eye to do it. Honestly, if 1985 is anything to go by, whatever he does next is sure to be something worth watching.
1985 is more than just a historical crime series — it’s a deep dive into the human experience, wrapped in the darkness of a terrifying true story. It’s gritty, emotional, and completely engrossing. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just looking for something with a bit more depth, this series will stick with you long after the finale.
It’s not an easy watch, but then again, the best shows rarely are. If you’re ready for a thrilling ride through Belgian history with a fresh, bold twist, 1985 is waiting for you.
