Streaming movie review - Backwoods Crimes: Der Schutzengel

Backwoods Crimes: Der Schutzengel *** (out of 5) Some time ago, I reviewed 10 mostly-unrelated telefilms from Austria streaming on MHz Choice under the umbrella of Backwoods Crimes. The casts, plots and locales are all different, just sharing the common thread of murders in the boondocks being handled in an intelligent, modest action manner by whichever cops are called upon. All were worthwhile, to varying degrees. Not a lemon in the lot. Der Schutzengel is the first of nine now being released for streaming under that heading.

This one opens 12 years before the main action, with young Martin (Michael Steinocher) having his marriage proposal deflected by his girlfriend. She says they’re too young, but doesn’t close that door. We learn she disappeared shortly thereafter, with her whereabouts still unknown.

A dozen years later, Martin returns to that town as a police officer, planning to move into his old house with his new squeeze. But he starts having flashbacks to his old proposal, which repeats for us the eye candy from filming his then-topless intended, expecting a yes to be recorded for posterity.

Martin’s first case involves the long-term housemaid of the local gentry found dead in the pond where she regularly swam. It looks like an accident, but that wouldn’t give us 90 minutes of storyline, would it? Once they determine it was murder, despite any obvious motive, questions arise as to whether it relates to the first disappearance, which has been gnawing at Martin ever since.

The case is overseen by Detective Paul Werner (Franz Karl), who methodically and calmly unravels the mystery(ies). There’s nothing glamorous about the process, but Karl’s low-key performance, balancing the sleuthing with sensitivity, is a pleasure to watch. He’s apparently played cops before, but this character deserves more chances to shine. Give the dude a real series, folks. Then be sure to send it along for streaming on our side of the pond.

That’s my last review for 2025. Happy New Year, everyone!

(Backwoods Crimes: Der Schutzengel, in German with subtitles, streams on MHz Choice as of 12/30/25)