Simu Liu’s espionage thriller The Copenhagen Test struggles to deliver on its promise, with weak pacing and underdeveloped storytelling.

A Promising Premise That Struggles to Deliver

December 27, 2025 — Expectations were high for Simu Liu’s latest project, The Copenhagen Test, an espionage thriller that promised intrigue, danger, and psychological depth. Instead, the series lands as a frustrating watch — one that looks stylish on the surface but never quite finds its footing beneath.

A Strong Setup With Weak Execution

On paper, The Copenhagen Test has all the ingredients of a compelling spy drama: global stakes, moral ambiguity, and a protagonist navigating a shadowy intelligence world. The early episodes tease tension and mystery, but the momentum quickly fades. Plotlines feel underdeveloped, and twists arrive without the emotional weight needed to make them land.

Viewers searching for layered espionage storytelling may find themselves disengaged as the narrative leans more on atmosphere than substance.

Simu Liu Tries to Carry the Series

Simu Liu delivers a committed performance, clearly working to bring depth and urgency to his character. However, even his efforts can’t fully compensate for uneven writing and pacing issues. At times, his character feels trapped in scenes that lack clear motivation or payoff, limiting the emotional connection viewers might otherwise feel.

Fans have noted that while Liu has proven his range in other projects, The Copenhagen Test doesn’t give him enough material to truly shine.

Style Over Storytelling

Visually, the series checks many boxes. Moody lighting, sleek locations, and a muted color palette help create a classic spy-thriller aesthetic. Unfortunately, the polished look often highlights what’s missing underneath — coherent character development and escalating tension.

Clips and stills circulating online have sparked curiosity, but many viewers report that the visuals promise more than the story delivers.

Why the Series Feels Flat

One of the biggest issues is tone. The show takes itself very seriously but rarely earns that seriousness through compelling drama. Dialogue can feel stiff, and emotional beats are rushed or skipped entirely. As a result, moments that should feel shocking or intense end up feeling distant.

Searches like “The Copenhagen Test review” and “Is The Copenhagen Test worth watching?” reflect growing skepticism among audiences.

Final Verdict

The Copenhagen Test isn’t without ambition, but ambition alone isn’t enough. Despite a capable lead and a sleek presentation, the series struggles to build tension or emotional investment, making it a disappointing entry in the espionage genre.

For viewers craving a sharp, tightly written spy thriller, this may not be the test worth taking.