A man with a mustache touches the wall and reality “bends” for a moment. The vision he experiences has such a power that it kills him, shows the most frequent scene of the opening episodes of the series Mysterious Cases, the next episode of which will be broadcast this Sunday evening on TV Nova.
The creators cast Miroslav Donutil in the main role of psychotronics and deprived him of his traditional eloquence. A stubborn and taciturn hero gifted with supernatural powers, he can sense things long past or forgotten in people and places. And the series itself mainly relies on a mysterious atmosphere.
The bride falls into a coma during the wedding, the girl’s dead father appears, the former educational institution is probably haunted. All these are reasons to call the healer Jaroslav Sezemský, who was once a star among investigators of mysterious cases. Today, he is of retirement age and has withdrawn into seclusion, where he and his daughter grow herbs and trade in them.
Nevertheless, there are apparently enough reasons in the world for these Czech “Ghostbusters” to start going into action with the assistance of their daughter and a new helper. And to intervene where no one calls the police.
From the beginning, mysterious cases move on an unclear terrain between ghost story, crime and psychological drama. They take a little of everything and so little of everything that not a single component is sufficiently supportive. In addition, it seems that the creators Vratislav Šrajer, Andy Fehu and Štefan Titka and their screenwriting and directing team have given up their ambition to aspire to a detective or crime story.
In the Czech Republic, this genre is all too often based on the characters or the mood of individual scenes rather than on a careful procedural investigation. Mysterious cases immediately give up some assistance from the police forces, the trio of heroes usually investigate on their own.
Miroslav Donutil as Jaroslav Sezemský helps others, but cannot or does not want to help himself. | Photo: TV Nova
At the same time, the word “searches” is actually inappropriately chosen. For the most part, we wait for the entire hour-long episode until Miroslav Donutil touches the right thing or person and finds out through his visions everything he needs to rid the place of the curse, free the spirit and relieve the inhabitants.
A cohesive motif penetrates the closed cases in small doses, which will apparently untangle the entire series: Szemský’s complicated relationship with his daughter, apparently related to the circumstances in which his wife died.
Similar non-trivial relationship patterns are also reflected in individual cases: feelings of guilt, the concealment of a crime due to concerns about the fate of loved ones, the complex search for forgiveness and reconciliation. But it’s never enough to turn the individual parts into a drama or psychological horror, we learn all the circumstances too late for that. That leaves only the ability to portray a disturbing atmosphere.
For example, when in the third episode the characters move through a dilapidated house, where lights flicker and water mysteriously spills over the walls, you can feel that the director of this part, Andy Fehu, knows proven horror techniques and can work with them quite confidently, at least by Czech standards.
But the mood-making moments cannot mask the strangely constructed scenario. For most of the episode, we get the feeling that the characters and the writers are trying really hard not to solve the problem in five to ten minutes.
Some revelations are even laughable, such as the final discovery of the remains of a human body in a house where craftsmen and the new owner are constantly moving. And also the administrator, who at the same time is interested in ensuring that no one discovers this free-roaming skeleton.
The series sometimes benefits from the fact that the roles of assistant and daughter were given to Martin Donutil and Sára Donutilová, the son and daughter-in-law of the most famous actor family.
Their exchanges feel natural and unforced, even if the script sometimes forces them to say sentences that people usually don’t say. And the “master” himself of the roles of obnoxious, vain, important guys, for which he almost has a patent, this time plays a mysterious infant man. Although he is supposed to be a sensitive people person, he is also obviously a person full of some unresolved tensions. He helps others, but he can’t or doesn’t want to help himself and those around him. Which is again a potentially powerful moment that the first few episodes haven’t worked with yet.
Mysterious cases unfortunately float between all sorts of locations and genres. It could have been a paranormal crime story, a story about a group of quirky investigators who go hunting for ghosts in a stylish old German van, or a psychological horror about the fact that there are often equally sad and unhappy ghosts – not just the ones that haunt.
But the creators seem to have cursed themselves somewhere between these subgenres and are stuck there like ghosts in the walls of houses with a troubled history.
The investigated cases arise by accident, the culprits can be sympathized with, sometimes it is not even a crime in the true sense of the word. It’s a shame that the audience only has time to reflect on complicated interpersonal relationships during the closing credits, when the events finally fall into place.
What are the key themes explored in the series *Mysterious Cases* according to Dr. Eva Novotná?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Eva Novotná, Expert in Psychotronics and Paranormal Studies
Editor (Thomas): Good day, Dr. Novotná. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The new series Mysterious Cases has sparked quite an interest, especially with its unique blend of psychotronics and ghostly encounters. What are your thoughts on Miroslav Donutil’s portrayal of the main character, Jaroslav Sezemský?
Dr. Novotná: Thank you for having me, Thomas. Donutil’s portrayal of Sezemský is indeed fascinating. I appreciate how he embodies a character who is not just a medium but a complex individual burdened by his own past. The decision to strip him of traditional eloquence adds depth to his character, making his visions and experiences much more impactful because they convey emotions rather than words.
Thomas: Absolutely! The atmosphere seems to play a crucial role in the narrative. Can you elaborate on how the series manages to create suspense and a mysterious vibe?
Dr. Novotná: Certainly. The series operates on the idea of ‘show, don’t tell.’ We continuously witness moments that evoke fear and curiosity—like the bride falling into a coma or the haunted educational institution—without providing immediate explanations. This technique effectively engages the audience, as they are left to ponder the implications of the supernatural while the characters navigate their personal struggles.
Thomas: Speaking of personal struggles, Sezemský’s relationship with his daughter appears to be a pivotal focus. How do you see this dynamic influencing the cases they tackle?
Dr. Novotná: The father-daughter relationship is a classic narrative device that adds emotional stakes to the story. The unresolved grief over his wife’s death creates a backdrop for their investigative work. As they confront external mysteries, they are simultaneously forced to navigate their internal conflicts. This interplay not only deepens the plot but also reflects on themes of guilt and forgiveness, making their quest more than just about solving cases.
Thomas: The blend of genres like psychological drama and crime can be tricky. How do you think Mysterious Cases handles this balancing act?
Dr. Novotná: It’s a delicate dance. The creators have chosen to focus less on procedural elements and more on character development. While some viewers might find certain plot twists predictable or even humorous, as in the case with the free-roaming skeleton, the essence lies in atmosphere and character exploration. They’ve leaned into the uncanny, which can resonate with audiences looking for something deeper than standard crime dramas.
Thomas: You mentioned humor in the storytelling. Is it common for supernatural narratives to incorporate comedic elements?
Dr. Novotná: Yes, it is quite common. Humor can relief tension and allow audiences to engage with the narrative in a lighter way. However, it can also subtly highlight absurdities within the mysteries themselves. In Mysterious Cases, these moments can serve as a commentary on human nature’s response to fear or grief, further adding layers to the storytelling.
Thomas: what do you hope to see from the series as it progresses? Any particular angles or themes you think they should explore?
Dr. Novotná: I look forward to seeing more exploration of trauma and healing, particularly in Sezemský’s relationship with his daughter. The evolution of their communication, coupled with the haunting experiences they share, could provide a fascinating lens to understand how individuals cope with loss. Additionally, I’d love to see them push the boundaries of supernatural encounters within the constraints of their reality, ultimately leaving the audience questioning what is truly possible.
Thomas: Thank you, Dr. Novotná. Your insights have shed considerable light on the intricate layers of Mysterious Cases. I’m eager to see how the series develops, and I appreciate your time today!
Dr. Novotná: Thank you, Thomas! It was a pleasure discussing such a captivating show. I look forward to watching it unfold as well!