Puls: Season 1 & 2 (Danish Series) [Pulse]

It’s surprising that this 2020 miniseries didn’t receive the attention it deserved compared to other shows of its kind. Pulse follows the lives of seven friends in a quiet suburb near Copenhagen, whose relationships become increasingly tangled as long-held secrets come to light. The central theme revolves around a same-sex relationship and explores the extremes of homophobia. While some elements may seem exaggerated by today’s standards, prejudice remains a harsh reality even in supposedly progressive societies. Comprising two seasons with nine episodes each, ranging from 12 to 15 minutes, the series offers a concise yet compelling viewing experience.

The narrative centers on Samir and Bastian, close friends and teammates on their school’s basketball squad, alongside Bastian’s brother Adam and their classmate Erik. Samir, the team’s star player, is admired by his peers and in a relationship with Tenna, who navigates adolescence under the watchful eye of her conservative Muslim sister. Meanwhile, Bastian is dating Anna, who copes with the recent loss of her mother, while her sister Sophia seeks solace in encounters with older men. Erik, harboring feelings for Tenna, grows resentful of Samir. Upon discovering notifications from a men’s dating app on Samir’s phone, Erik exposes his secret, triggering a chain of events that forces Samir to confront his identity. With the support of an online friend, Samir embraces his truth, but Bastian struggles with his own emotions. Their unexpected kiss at a party, witnessed by their peers, leaves Bastian deeply conflicted—torn between friendship and romantic feelings, yet fearful of societal judgment.

As relationships fracture—Anna ends things with Bastian, and Tenna breaks up with Samir—Erik capitalizes on the chaos to pursue Tenna while intensifying his harassment of Samir. Exploiting a group of hostile peers, Erik orchestrates vicious attacks, including the circulation of explicit videos targeting Samir and later Bastian. The series concludes on a poignant note: after a brutal assault, Samir and Bastian finally acknowledge their love for each other, while Erik begins to recognize his wrongdoing, influenced by Tenna’s intervention.

The ending remains open-ended, hinting at new possibilities without definitive resolution. Though no additional seasons have been produced to clarify the characters’ futures or the consequences faced by their tormentors, the series excels in portraying complex relationships with depth and nuance. Beyond its central love story, Pulse delves into themes of toxic masculinity, grief, and identity. Erik’s behavior reflects internalized aggression fueled by familial dysfunction, while Samir’s confidence in his identity—bolstered by a supportive family and an online mentor—stands in stark contrast to Bastian’s internalized fear. Bastian’s wavering loyalty, culminating in a dangerous confrontation with Erik’s violent associates, underscores the devastating impact of societal pressure.

Despite its ensemble cast, Pulse primarily focuses on Samir and Bastian’s evolving relationship, ensuring LGBTQ+ representation remains at the forefront. Bastian’s journey mirrors classic coming-out struggles, marked by denial and fear of exposure, while Samir’s self-assurance offers a refreshing counterpoint. The performances are uniformly strong, and the direction maintains a sharp focus on the characters’ emotional arcs. By balancing its central romance with broader explorations of youth, masculinity, and personal trauma, the series delivers a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.