Buried alive: Haller's dark secret at Vienna's Central Cemetery

Buried alive: Haller's dark secret at Vienna's Central Cemetery

On July 10, 2025, ARD viewers can expect an exciting crime highlight: the fifth case in the popular series “Blindly Investigated” is entitled “Buried Alive.” In this episode, the focus is on ex-commissioner Alexander Haller, played by Philipp Hochmair. The crime thriller addresses complex moral questions of guilt and punishment and shows that old decisions can have an impact even years later. Haller is not only haunted by his past, but also has to face current challenges when a note is found with a fateful date: October 17, 2017.

On that fateful day, Haller lost his fiancée Kara in a bomb attack and also had to struggle with the loss of his eyesight. The emotional burden of these experiences is palpable for the protagonist. “Buried Alive” puts Haller in trouble again when his successor Laura Janda, played by Jaschka Lämmert, asks for his help in the investigation. A field of tension arises between the two because Haller believes in a possible conspiracy, while Janda wants to take a different path.

A tricky case

But the investigations shed light on dark abysses: another death from the past is uncovered. Kurt Brandner, a suspect in a sexual offense, committed suicide while in custody. Haller is convinced that Brandner was innocent and is pursuing the connection to the current murder. This return to the past demands a lot from Haller - both from himself and from his colleagues, including his right-hand man Nikolai Falk (Andreas Guenther).

The scenario is dark and fascinating at the same time. The Central Cemetery in Vienna serves as the setting for a dramatic nighttime showdown. Director Jano Ben Chaabane, who directed the first two films in the series, manages to make impressive use of the ghostly atmosphere of the cemetery. The murderer, played by Alexander Beyer, has a personal score to settle with Haller, which further fuels the tension.

A highlight of the crime series

The cast of the film is impressive: In addition to Hochmair and Lämmert, Patricia Aulitzky as Sophie Haller, Michael Edlinger as Peter Lassmann, Sophie Stockinger as Melanie and Marie-Christine Friedrich as Sandra Wild play a crucial role. The story is full of twists and moral conflicts reminiscent of the literary legacy of Fyodor M. Dostoyevsky. He was known for dealing with topics such as guilt and punishment, which is also reflected in the more recent case of Haller. The connection between Haller's experiences and Dostoyevsky's work becomes clear, as both illuminate the complex facets of human behavior and the consequences of decisions.

“Blindly Determined: Buried Alive” not only promises exciting entertainment, but also stimulates thought. The conflict between past and present takes viewers on a captivating journey through personal suffering and moral dilemmas. Tune in so you don't miss this gripping piece of Lower Austrian crime art!

To find out more about the show, please visit the ARD media library: ARD media library. Alternatively, you can find further information on the WDR website as well as in detail about the thematic backgrounds in the works of University of Vienna.