As summer approaches, the pace might slow down slightly, but there’s still plenty to keep you entertained. We’re also staying connected with Viaplay in the USA, so from now on, any new releases from the streamer that are available in the USA will also be featured in this article. We also have a competition and news of our first Nordic Film Club so without further ado here is our Nordic new releases: May monthly guide.
FILMS & TV SERIES
The Promised Land | Blu Ray, DVD, & Digital Online | 6th May | UK
Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land is coming to Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital online which means that if you missed it in the cinema then you have the perfect chance now to see one of our favourite Nordic films of the year (so far)!
COMPETITON: Fancy winning yourself a Blu Ray copy of the film? All you have to do is give our Instagram account a follow @NordicWatchlist and share the competition page. Not on Instagram? Then just subscribe to our newsletter to give yourself a chance to win. The competition closes at midnight on the 3rd May and is only for residents of the United Kingdom (PLEASE NOTE: Competition has now expired).
Börje – The Journey of a Legend | TV Series | Viaplay | 2nd May | USA
We will now be covering releases in the USA when they come to Viaplay and to start things off is Börje – The Journey of a Legend which tells the story of National Hockley League icon Börje Salming. The series is directed by Amir Chamdin (Partisan) and stars Valter Skarsgard in the lead role.
The first two episodes will start on the 2nd May with two episodes being released per week on the 9th and 16th May. You can find out more about Viaplay in the USA by following this link: http://amazon.com/video/viaplayus and look out for our interview with the series director Amir Chamdin.
Gold Run | Film | Viaplay | 2nd May | USA
During World War II, a clandestine operation pivotal to a nation’s future unfolded. In April 1940, German forces targeted Oslo, aiming to capture the King, the government, and Norway’s gold reserves. Shortly after the invasion, parliamentary secretary Fredrik Haslund assembled an eclectic group consisting of his sister, bankers, truck drivers, and a renowned poet. Their critical mission was to transport 50 tons of gold across Norway to an awaiting Allied shipping convoy, while outmaneuvering the advancing Nazi troops.
The film boasts a fantastic cast including the likes of Jon Øigarden (Exit), Sven Nordin (Wisting), Axel Bøyum (Delete Me), Thorbjørn Harr (Vikings), and Ida Elise Broch (Fenris)
For those of you in the UK you can watch this film over BBC iPlayer!
A Part of You | Film | Netflix | 31st May
A Part of You captures the tumultuous essence of being 17, a time when emotions feel explosive. Agnes has always envied her older sister Julia, the epitome of cool and the life of every party. But when tragedy strikes, Agnes finds her world upended. As she steps into a new version of herself, she edges closer to her dreams—but wonders, at what cost?
Those of you who have been missing Young Royal’s Edvin Ryding will be delighted to hear that he is back starring in a new Swedish film from Netflix. The film also stars Felicia Maxine as Agnes (who was also in Young Royals and The Abyss), Ida Engvoll (Love & Anarchy) and features a debut by pop star Zara Larsson!
BOOKS
May is turning into a bumper month for Nordic book releases in the UK, with three major titles hitting the shelves this month.
Murder Under The Midnight Sun by Stella Blómkvist | Iceland | 3 May 2024
Nearly as big as the mysteries she solves, the identity of Stella Blómkvist remains one of Iceland’s biggest unsolved mysteries. Regardless of the name behind the pseudonym, a new Stella novel is always a hotly anticipated event. Murder Under the Midnight Sun sees Stella called on to investigate after a woman’s husband is charged with murdering her father and best friend. Stella’s investigation puts herself at risk as people fight to keep past secrets buried.
Murder Under the Midnight Sun is published by Corylus Books and translated by Quentin Bates.
Toxic by Helga Flatland | Norway | 23 May 2024
Having sold over 180,000 books worldwide, Helga Flatland is one of Norway’s most successful writers and her work is now beginning to grow an English audience.
In Toxic, Flatland explores the world of Mathilde, a teacher forced to leave her job in Oslo after her relationship with eighteen-year-old Jacob is exposed. Seeking a new life in the countryside she soon discovers that beneath the outwardly idyllic setting, something darker is lurking.
Toxic is published by Orenda Books and translated by Matt Bagguley.
The Cuckoo by Camilla Läckberg | Sweden | 23 May 2024
Sweden’s superstar writer, Camilla Läckberg, returns with the 11th Hedström and Falck novel
The Cuckoo.
In the Swedish coastal town of Fjällbacka, Rolf Stenklo, a famous photographer, is found murdered in his gallery. Detective Patrik Hedström is left to lead the investigation as his wife Erica Falck researches an unsolved decades-old murder. A smash hit book in the original Swedish, The Cuckoo in its English language translation is a major milestone in Nordic literature.
The Cuckoo will be published by Hemlock Press on 23 May 2024
EVENTS
Nordic Film Club | 15th May
We are running our first ever film club on the 15th May and discussing the Ali Abassi film – Border – we are also excited that there will be a special guest joining us for the event (which will be all run online).
Spaces are limited with 10 spots remaining – if you are interested then please email info@nordicwatchlist.com.
Another exciting month to keep us very busy – which series or film are you most excited to watch?
