Samuel Kujala
Sakari
Overview
Two brothers trying to make it as dancers open their own club, but their artistic drive soon clashes with the business, threatening their relationship.
Seasons
- Status
- Returning Series
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 10 episodes
- First aired
- May 10, 2023
Cast
10 people
Reviews
6 min readThe Dance We Never See
I kept waiting for the dance. That’s the first thing I noticed—or, more accurately, the first thing I didn’t notice—while watching Dance Brothers, Netflix’s first original Finnish series. The title promises movement, rhythm, the kind of kinetic storytelling that makes your pulse sync with the screen.
But the show itself seems oddly reluctant to deliver on that promise. It’s as if the creators built a stage, hired the dancers, even sold the tickets—only to dim the lights and whisper, "Actually, let’s just talk about it instead."
That’s not to say Dance Brothers lacks ambition. The series follows brothers Roni (Roderick Kabanga) and Sakari (Samuel Kujala) as they scrape together a living in Helsinki’s underground dance scene, dreaming of opening their own club. Their relationship is the heart of the story: Roni, all coiled tension and sharp edges, contrasts with Sakari’s easygoing charm, a dynamic that crackles with the kind of friction that could either fuel great art or burn everything down.
The problem isn’t the premise—it’s the execution. For a show about dance, there’s surprisingly little of it. As Allyson Johnson of But Why Tho? put it, "Dance Brothers fails because it never concerns itself with honoring that craft."
The pilot episode drops us into the brothers’ world with a jolt: a botched attempt to hide from the police in an abandoned warehouse leads them to Aida Bosch (Jeanine Muyima), a wealthy patron who becomes their unlikely benefactor. It’s a moment that should feel electric, the kind of serendipitous collision that changes lives. Instead, the scene plays out like a heist gone wrong, the brothers’ panic overshadowing any sense of discovery.
The camera lingers on their faces, their breath, their frantic movements—but never on the dance. Not really. The choreography, when it appears, is often cropped or cut short, as if the show is embarrassed by its own title.
Liz Kocan of Decider summed it up neatly: "The show is 80% manufactured drama and 20% dance performances, but at 20 minutes an episode, it moves at a fast clip." That "fast clip" is the show’s saving grace. The episodes are short, punchy, and rarely overstay their welcome, but the brevity also means there’s little room to dig into the emotional weight of the brothers’ journey.
The cinematography, by Arsen Sarkisian, aims for a raw, documentary-like feel, reminiscent of Skam or American Honey. The camerawork is handheld and intimate, as if we’re eavesdropping on the brothers’ lives rather than watching a polished performance. It’s an aesthetic that suits the show’s gritty, urban setting, but it also underscores the disconnect between the story’s aspirations and its reality.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 7.5/10
"A fresh Finnish drama blending sibling rivalry and dance ambition with raw energy but uneven pacing."
Viewers appreciate the authentic portrayal of sibling dynamics and the high-energy dance sequences, which bring a vibrant, youthful energy to the series. However, some find the pacing inconsistent, with moments of drag that dilute the otherwise engaging storyline. latestnetflix.com's view is that the cast’s performances, particularly the leads, are frequently praised for their emotional depth and relatability.
What viewers praise
- Strong sibling chemistry The dynamic between the brothers feels genuine and adds emotional weight to the story.
- Energetic dance scenes The choreography and performances are visually striking and a major highlight.
- Authentic emotional depth The leads deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some episodes feel slow, disrupting the flow of the narrative.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles lack depth, making them feel less impactful.
Recommended for
Fans of youth dramas Dance enthusiasts Sibling rivalry stories Finnish series lovers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsInside Netflix’s Dance Brothers: The Finnish Drama That’s Got Everyone Talking
Netflix’s Dance Brothers (2023) is making waves as Finland’s latest foray into the competitive dance scene, blending sibling rivalry, artistic ambition, and the cutthroat world of nightlife. Created by Mahsa Malka, the series follows two brothers—Roni and Sakari—as they navigate the highs and lows of opening their own dance club, only to see their relationship fracture under the pressure of business and creativity 
. latestnetflix.com's read is that but how much of the drama is scripted, and what’s the real story behind the cast’s dynamic?
The Brothers at the Heart of the Show
At the center of Dance Brothers are Roderick Kabanga and Samuel Kujala, who play Roni and Sakari, respectively. Kabanga’s portrayal of Roni—a dancer driven by anxiety and a fierce competitive streak—has drawn praise for its raw intensity, while Kujala’s Sakari offers a more laid-back counterpoint, struggling to align his goals with his brother’s . The chemistry between the two actors has been a standout, with critics noting how their contrasting personalities mirror the show’s central conflict: art vs. commerce .
In interviews, Kabanga and Kujala have hinted at the challenges of playing brothers on screen. While neither has confirmed whether they drew from real-life sibling dynamics, their on-set rapport suggests a deep understanding of the push-and-pull that defines Roni and Sakari’s relationship . The actors’ commitment to their roles extends to the show’s dance sequences, which have been described as "cool" and "fresh," adding a kinetic energy to the drama .
A Diverse Cast Brings Helsinki’s Dance Scene to Life
Beyond the brothers, Dance Brothers boasts a diverse ensemble that reflects Finland’s multicultural dance community. Jeanine Muyima, Cristal Snow, and Laura Lohi are among the standout performers, each bringing their own flair to the series . The show’s setting—a Helsinki dance club—serves as a microcosm of the city’s vibrant nightlife, with the cast’s real-world experiences in dance lending authenticity to the on-screen routines .
However, not all reviews have been glowing. Some critics argue that while the performances are strong, the story itself falls short, lacking the depth needed to fully explore the brothers’ emotional journey . The tension between Roni’s ambition and Sakari’s reluctance to commit to a shared vision is compelling, but the narrative occasionally stumbles in its execution, leaving audiences wanting more .
Behind the Scenes: What We Know (and What We Don’t)
Details about the production of Dance Brothers remain scarce. Creator Mahsa Malka’s vision for the series is clear—she aimed to capture the grit and glamour of Finland’s dance scene—but specifics about the show’s development, budget, or filming challenges haven’t been publicly confirmed . Rumors about a potential second season are circulating, though Netflix has yet to make an official announcement.
One thing is certain: the cast’s dedication to their roles has paid off. Kabanga and Kujala’s performances have resonated with audiences, and the show’s blend of drama and dance has carved out a niche in Netflix’s international lineup . Whether Dance Brothers will evolve beyond its first season remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a standout example of Finnish storytelling on the global stage.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.