'The Thaw'/'Odwilz': 5 things to know about Polish thriller on HBO Max

If the trailer is any indication, the six-part miniseries starring Katarzyna Wajda will be one of the most talked-about foreign shows in April
Katarzyna Wajda in a still from 'The Thaw' (HBO Max)
Katarzyna Wajda in a still from 'The Thaw' (HBO Max)

'The Thaw'/'Odwilz' is the latest in the line of foreign dramas that have found a home in HBO Max. International dramas have gained immense popularity over the years on streaming networks over the years and for good reason. The engaging content and the impressive cast have seen them build a niche audience and the upcoming Polish thriller promises to hold the audiences in rapt attention. If the trailer is any indication, the six-part miniseries starring Katarzyna Wajda will be one of the raved-about foreign shows in April.

The murder mystery, set in Poland follows a cop tracking down a killer while also searching for a newborn. The tone of the trailer is gritty, and while it hints at less action, the element of suspense and thriller is written all over. While we wait for 'The Thaw' to premiere, here's some similar content you can catch in the meantime: 'Kamikaze', 'Sons of Monarchs', and 'DMZ'

Release date

'The Thaw' is slated to premiere on HBO Max on April 1.

What is the Polish thriller about

The HBO Max series is a crime drama that sees Katarzyna Zawieja (Katarzyna Wajda) hot on the trail of a missing newborn whose mother is found dead shortly before giving birth to her child. Her mission is to track down the killer and it becomes a cat-and-mouse chase between the cop and the killer.

The official synopsis reads, "Set in Szczecin, Poland, the series begins after the body of a young woman is discovered under the melting ice. It asks 'Who was she? Why did she die? Who did she leave behind? Did people who are now mourning know who she really was? These questions and the search for answers will provide the main female character with a powerful, although initially unconscious incentive to confront her own circumstances: of a single mother playing the role of a perfect police officer, and above all, a woman in crisis."

Who stars in 'The Thaw'

Katarzyna Wajda in a still from 'The Thaw'

Katarzyna Wajda, Malgorzata Gorol, Boguslaw Linda, Bartlomiej Kotschedoff, Monika Krzywkowska, and Sebastian Fabijanski star in key roles. 

Showrunners

Per Deadline, Izabela Łopuch, Johnathan Young, and Antony Root served as the Executive producers, with Bogumił Lipski and Andrzej Beszta coming in as the producers.

Trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Joanne and Noah prepare to live together as Sasha and Morgan face a connection neither has acknowledged.
2 hours ago
A New Year’s Eve celebration brings old friends together before the night takes an unexpected turn.
3 hours ago
‘The Shards’, starring Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere, aired its season finale on September 9
9 hours ago
‘The Rainmaker’ follows underdog lawyer Rudy Baylor, played by Milo Callaghan, who takes on powerful opponents in court
12 hours ago
CBS’ latest sneak peek for ‘Cupertino’ features Busy Philipps along with Mike Colter and Rachel Keller in the lead
12 hours ago
'The Office' spin-off released all the episodes of its second season on September 9, 2026, on Peacock
12 hours ago
'Chicago Fire' will return with Season 15 on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC
15 hours ago
‘Rivals’ fans finally have a date to circle for the return of Season 2
15 hours ago
Scott Speedman's ‘R.J. Decker’ Season 2, set to premiere on September 15, will shed light on R.J.’s childhood
15 hours ago
The full trailer for Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’ reveals a familiar story in a new setting
16 hours ago