7.1
Where can I stream The Defence legally?
The Defence is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
What's your score?
The Defence fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
- Tension8
- Adrenaline6
- Fast Pace6
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor2
World
Crime, mystery, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumCrime, mystery, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, mystery, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
Three-year-old Nikola Szlezyngier disappears in unexplained circumstances and her parents Angelika and Dawid are the main suspects. Angelika contacts an old friend Joanna Chylka, a brilliant, cynical and successful lawyer to help. With her new apprentice Kordian, Joanna will try to bring the case to a happy close.
Polish Legal DramaGripping MysteryCynical ProtagonistCrime InvestigationIntense Courtroom DramaDark & GrittyCharacter-DrivenUnconventional Law FirmPsychological Thriller
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Defence
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Defence worth watching?
47
MediocreGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 47/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Defence rated?
TV-MADisturbing imageryViolence
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery and violence.
How many seasons does The Defence have?
5 seasons
It has 5 seasons with 32 episodes of about 45 minutes each.
Is The Defence based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did The Defence air?
S1S2S3S4S5
It ran from 2018 to 2022 and has ended.
What language is The Defence in?
Polish
It was made in Polish. Produced in Poland.
In how many countries can I watch The Defence?
30
+16
+16GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Defence in 30 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.