It has been an incredibly busy month and it has flown by – we have had finale’s, second seasons, Swede’s in space, a return to Copenhagen’s documentary film festival, and a weather presenter turned author! Welcome to our newly titled Nordic Spotlight: Best in Screen and Page – March.
TV SERIES: Young Royals | Netflix
ALEX & CLAIRE: Young Royals finally came to an emotional ending, and we were so happy to see the series wrap up perfectly—a task that is certainly not easy to do. This was down to a very smart narrative for the characters’ story arcs and an absolutely incredible performance from the cast, and in particular, Edvin Ryding as Wilhelm and Omar Rudberg as Simon, who just convinced you with their relationship.
As discussed with the series creator, Lisa Ambjörn, the series feels very polished—where every aspect of it seems to work so perfectly. The cast, the soundtrack, and subtle things such as the lighting (which is beautifully captured in a number of scenes involving our lovestruck protagonists) all contribute to its success
TV SERIES: Top Dog Season | Channel 4 / Walter Presents
TIM: The second season of Swedish crime drama Top Dog had bags of promise and didn’t disappoint. In fact the second instalment of this carefully worked tale of gangland crime in Södertälje was arguably better than the first series.
It takes a little while to refamiliarize yourself with the characters and intricacies of the plot, but by the end of the second episode you are well and truly hooked once again. Alex Manvelov brilliantly underplays paroled convict Teddy as he is drawn back into serious crime and struggles with his passionate but unlikely relationship with lawyer Emily. Her character, played by Josefin Asplund, gradually becomes a victim of her own ambitions as she makes increasingly questionable decisions. And all the time battling with her cold and callous mother.
There’s a lot a play here. Family loyalties – and deep troubles – moral judgements, culture clashes between Balkan immigrants and Swedes, and growing criminal violence in Sweden’s previously quiet and safe towns. Top quality.
TV SERIES: Constellation | Apple TV
ALEX & CLAIRE: While not necessarily a Nordic series, this does feature one of our favourite Swedish actresses, Noomi Rapace, whose performance is absolutely fantastic in this mind-bending sci-fi series—one that even the great Stephen King has championed.
The series follows Swedish astronaut Jo Ericsson (Noomi Rapace) after a major incident happens out in space. Unfolding in the intense opening episode, things don’t quite seem right afterwards—but what exactly is happening?
There is no doubt the show might test some people’s patience (and brains, for that matter), but the payoff is certainly worth it, and Noomi’s performance is certainly outstanding.
FESTIVAL: Copenhagen Documentary Film Festival
For the third year running we covered one of our favourite Nordic festivals – CPH:DOX. CPH:DOX is Copenhagen’s annual documentary film festival and every year we have discovered some of the most incredible and thought provoking films.
This year was no different and we can’t wait to share what films we covered along with some interviews with the directors behind three of our top picks from the festival.
BOOK: The Mermaid by Anki Edvinsoon (Thomas & Mercer)
GLEN: Who is the perpetrator and who is the victim? It’s a twist that has caught many Nordic Noir readers out over the years, a last-minute red herring that turns perceptions totally on their heads. It’s a trick Swedish weather presenter turned author Anki Edvinsson deploys with great effect in The Mermaid, the second instalment in the Detectives von Klint and Berg series.
There’s a chilling timely relevance to the piece, examining the preconceived prejudices when a community find their prime suspect wearing an explosive suicide vest. Edvinsson skilfully weaves this most modern of dilemmas into a thrilling crime drama that tests not only the police’s investigative skills but also juggling work and domestic pressures as well.
What else happened in March?
- Alex spoke to the creator Lisa Ambjorn behind Young Royals about the final season!
- Netflix released their bumper schedule of new TV Series and Film.
- Glen took a look at the books the new series and films have been adapted from.
- Tim shared his monthly Home & Design Update.
- Alex spoke to Icelandic director Erlingur Thoroddsen about his new thriller Cold
What series did you discover and enjoy this month? Anything we have missed and need to catch?
