The Copenhagen Test Review: Simu Liu’s Cutting-Edge AI Spy Thriller is Exceptional

by

The series cleverly plays on current anxieties about government surveillance and showcases Simu Liu in a standout performance. He convincingly portrays a character reminiscent of Jason Bourne, while the show’s creator also nods to the classic film Three Days of the Condor. This Peacock original feels like a tribute to 1970s thrillers, updated with modern AI themes, and explores Cold War-style conspiracies, this time focusing on biological control.

If you enjoy intricate, suspenseful thrillers with plenty of mystery and espionage, The Copenhagen Test consistently delivers. While the series, also starring [actor’s name], offers a lot of intriguing plotlines, it’s debatable whether it reaches the same heights as classic Cold War thrillers.

Simu Lui Makes The Copenhagen Test Exceptional

If you felt Simu Liu wasn’t given enough to work with in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, you’ll be pleased to see his new project, The Copenhagen Test. He’s also an executive producer, working alongside James Wan, and this film feels designed to revitalize his career, which had begun to lose momentum in terms of public attention. After a visually impressive but ultimately shallow Marvel film, The Copenhagen Test is a welcome change – a smart, fast-paced thriller that delivers a lot more substance.

Alexander Hale is a quiet analyst with a past as a soldier, and he’s eager to return to active duty. Actor Liu convincingly portrays this character, blending believable action skills with a subtle, appealing charm. Hale seems genuinely good-natured, but hints at a ruthless side he can unleash when necessary. Liu skillfully balances these contrasting traits throughout the first eight episodes of the series, making The Copenhagen Test a show you won’t want to miss.

While The Copenhagen Test uses familiar ideas from the thriller genre, it offers a fresh take by prioritizing character development. The characters’ reasons for acting feel realistic, their family bonds are strong, and Liu’s performance is genuine, avoiding typical action hero clichés. The show’s emphasis on family adds emotional weight and distinguishes it from other, more predictable entries in the genre, balancing the high-tech AI themes with a relatable human story that viewers can connect with.

The strong supporting actors, alongside Liu, add real weight to the show. Creator Thomas Brandon clearly knew how important that would be to connect with viewers, and it’s a major asset throughout the series. A great example is Saul Rubinek as Victor, who turns out to be far more than just a restaurant owner.

Everyone Is Essential to the Ensemble in This Peacock Original

Saul Rubinek, despite not being a household name, has built a remarkably successful acting career. From his early work to his role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, he consistently elevates the shows he’s in with memorable performances, often playing unexpected characters. His latest role, Victor, continues this trend. The subtle connection between Victor and Alexander in their few scenes will immediately pique viewers’ curiosity and leave them wanting more.

This show is full of illusions and deception, and the entire cast keeps viewers guessing with unexpected twists. Each character has secrets or hidden motivations, and they all contribute to the intriguing story of The Copenhagen Test. Saul Rubinek is particularly effective, delivering a charming and relatable performance that’s full of surprises.

Other characters use more subtle tricks to create the same surprises, often turning the situation around and keeping viewers guessing. Several supporting actors really stand out, especially Sinclair Daniel, who plays the memorable character Parker.

The Fear of Big Brother Drives This Thriller

Parker is the show’s moral compass, growing as Alexander’s character falls from grace. The series explores complex ethical questions, similar to those raised in films like The Copenhagen Test, but goes further than typical conspiracy thrillers – it delves into deeper issues.

The story delves into Alexander’s thoughts, prompting viewers to consider the consequences of his actions. Parker’s development is compelling as she gradually becomes emotionally distant from Hale, subverting what the audience anticipates. Ultimately, the narrative transforms into a thoughtful observation of society.

Daniel is a crucial character because she provides a relatable perspective for the audience, separate from the main character. She initially views the situation objectively and resists being swayed by others. Viewers will find it compelling to watch her empathy gradually fade as those around her become more unified and closed off.

As a fan, I’m really loving how this impacts Parker and the other important storylines. It might not jump out at you immediately, but it’s totally key to what makes The Copenhagen Test so good – it adds so many levels of depth and keeps you constantly guessing. What I especially appreciate is how original it feels. The way the show weaves together character development and the plot, jumping between different time periods, is brilliant and keeps you on the edge of your seat!

Multiple Timelines Tie This Show Together

At its heart, The Copenhagen Test uses compelling stories to captivate viewers, blending familiar character types with unexpected turns. The series features shadowy figures who manipulate those in power for their own benefit. While this premise might seem typical, the addition of an AI element pushes the show into new and exciting territory, leaning into the classic surveillance themes found in many spy thrillers.

What truly makes this show stand out is its clever use of flashbacks, which keep you guessing. While other thrillers have used flashbacks to reveal character backgrounds and explain their actions, this show does it particularly well. Poorly executed flashbacks can be confusing and detract from the story, even damaging character development and feeling ultimately unsatisfying.

The story unfolds smoothly, focusing on character development and weaving in flashbacks naturally. Everything Alexander Hale and his team do always feels connected to the larger plot. Even when technology becomes a key element and Hale faces consequences, the author, Thomas Brandon, keeps everything well-balanced.

Subscribe to our newsletter for smart thriller coverage

Subscribe to our newsletter for smart thriller coverage

When you sign up, you’ll receive emails about our newsletter and special offers, and you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You can stop receiving these emails at any time.

As the story of The Copenhagen Test unfolds and allegiances become blurred, the series consistently surprises with clever twists over its eight episodes. While these unexpected turns are a strong point, viewers might find the shifting timelines a little confusing.

The Copenhagen Test Sticks the Landing

The show is excellent overall, but the frequent use of flashbacks could be its only weakness. While these flashbacks aim to build character and explain the story, they sometimes become overwhelming. The show throws out surprising reveals, expecting viewers to quickly understand them, and while this can be engaging, it occasionally risks confusing the audience and detracting from the show’s strengths.

It’s unusual to find a truly great thriller these days, given how many have been made. Most retread familiar territory. However, The Copenhagen Test is a refreshing exception. While it uses classic spy thriller elements, it updates them in a way that feels modern and relevant. The film manages to be original even within a well-worn genre, and it’s as good as the best examples. It proves that the thriller genre is still thriving, even though current events sometimes feel like they’re offering a similar experience.

With each new revelation, the plot of The Copenhagen Test gets increasingly complex, and the show risks becoming overly confusing. The main character, Alexander Hale, is aware of his own flaws, which creates complications, and the people around him start revealing their true selves. But as viewers piece things together, it becomes clear that this Peacock original is cleverly designed, full of misleading clues and shifting viewpoints, all building towards a satisfying conclusion.

The Copenhagen Test premieres on on December 27.

Read More

2025-12-26 21:41