It could be argued that November provided some of the best Nordic content all year when it comes to the small screen. Netflix kicked the month off with Let Go and then followed it up with utterly gripping Helicopter Heist. Meanwhile on Channel 4’s Walter Presents we had the excellent Oxen.
But that wasn’t all – there were also a plethora of titles released to read too which has kept our team very busy! Here is our Best in Screen and Page – November Monthly Roundup.
FILM: Let Go | Netflix (Worldwide)
Let Go (Släpp Taget) is a beautifully crafted family drama that captures the chaos, love, and heartbreak of everyday life. Written, directed, and led by Josephine Bornebusch, the film centers on Stella (Bornebusch) and Gustav (Pål Sverre Hagen) as their strained marriage comes to a breaking point during a tense road trip to their daughter Anna’s pole-dancing competition. With simmering resentments, poignant humour, and raw emotion, the story perfectly balances the messiness of parenting, relationships, and personal sacrifice.
Bornebusch delivers a standout performance as the exhausted but resilient Stella, while Hagen’s arc as the passive yet emotionally conflicted Gustav is equally compelling. The sharp writing and relatable moments—forgotten luggage, simmering arguments, and fleeting tenderness—make this film deeply authentic. Heartfelt and quietly powerful, Let Go is a moving exploration of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family, guaranteed to resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.
TV SERIES: The Helicopter Heist | Netflix (Worldwide)
The Helicopter Heist is an electrifying portrayal of one of Sweden’s most daring modern crimes, inspired by the infamous 2009 Västeberga helicopter robbery. Spanning eight meticulously crafted episodes, the series immerses viewers in an incredible true story while maintaining a relentless pace and emotional depth. Based on Jonas Bonnier’s non-fiction book and adapted by Ronnie Sandahl, it masterfully combines edge-of-your-seat tension with a deeply human narrative. From the blood-red title card and pulsating synth soundtrack to the thrilling, chaotic heist itself, this is a series designed to captivate.
At the heart of the show are its characters. Mahmut Suvakci’s portrayal of Rami, a struggling father pulled into the heist, is a standout performance filled with raw vulnerability and intensity. Similarly, Ardalan Esmaili’s Michel exudes a calm and calculated menace, while Ikra Kostic shines as the determined detective navigating mounting pressure. The show’s non-linear storytelling heightens its impact, shifting seamlessly between timelines to reveal the personal stakes and intricate planning behind the heist. With impeccable direction, gripping action, and unforgettable performances, The Helicopter Heist is a crime drama that demands to be seen.
You can read our review of the series HERE.
TV SERIES: Oxen | Channel 4 / Walter Presents (UK)
Oxen, a six-part adaptation of Jens Henrik Jensen’s acclaimed book series, dives headfirst into a world of political corruption, betrayal, and the psychological toll of war. Anchored by Jacob Lohmann’s powerful performance as Niels Oxen, a PTSD-stricken war veteran, the series offers a raw and intense exploration of human resilience amidst chaos. From the opening moments—flashbacks to Afghanistan, a hunting bugle, and a body disposed of in the dead of night—it’s clear this show is as unrelenting as its titular character.
Jannik Johansen’s direction maintains a relentless pace, with a staggering body count and twisting narratives that demand full attention. Oxen’s investigation into a shadowy network of elites reveals a web of blackmail, murder, and deceit, leaving no moment to breathe. The pairing of Oxen with Margrethe, a detective grappling with her own trauma, adds emotional depth, their shared struggles making for some of the show’s most compelling moments. With dramatic shootouts, intricate political intrigue, and a cliffhanger that teases further chaos, Oxen is a taut, high-stakes thriller that leaves you eager—and uneasy—for what might come next.
Read our in-depth review HERE
BOOKS:
November seems to be peak book month, as publishers release new volumes to hopefully find themselves on the Christmas shopping lists. With so much to choose from, here are three highlights from the month,
Can’t Run, Can’t Hide – Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Yrsa Sigurdardottir’s latest offering, Can’t Run, Can’t Hide may have snow falling but that’s the closest this book gets to being a cosy wintery tale. Instead, Sigurdardottir ramps up the chills in a beautifully constructed thriller that genuinely instils fear into the reader.
When a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in their luxurious Icelandic home speculation begins to build on the motive behind the crime. From this starting point, Sigurdardottir alternates chapters between past and present, taking us on a non-stop rollercoaster towards the inevitable bloody conclusion we now know is coming. A masterclass in suspense, chills and storytelling.
Victim – Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger
The fifth instalment in the ever-popular Blix and Ramm series, Victim maybe the most personal book yet, not only for the characters but also drawing on the author’s own professional pasts.
There’s more than one victim in this serpentine plot, as childhood trauma resurfaces decades later. As we’ve come to expect from Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger, characters and plots are intricately woven to provide a real page-turner. As Blix adjusts to life outside of prison a stalker from the past threatens to turn his life upside down again – and this time it is personal.
Dead Island – Samuel Bjørk
Also chalking up five instalments, this time for Samuel Bjørk Munch and Krüger series, Dead Island moves the unconventional detective duo out of their more familiar haunts of Oslo onto the remote island of Hitra, located off the coast of Trondheim in Northeastern Norway.
A young woman is found murdered after a fancy-dress party, a young boy is missing and a traumatised local is found murdered on a nature reserve – what links the three and is there any connection to the society wedding of the year being held on the island?
A sense of change of pace from previous instalments, Dead Island sees our detectives possibly beginning a new chapter in their lives.
What else happened in November?
- Alex spoke to the incredibly talented duo of Runar Runarsson and Elin Hall about their new film When The Light Breaks which premiered at London Film Festival.
- Glen kept busy with book reviews, lots and lots of book reviews; The Third Realm, Victim, Dead Island, Can’t Run Can’t Hide, Caeseria, and The Clues In The Fjord!
- Meanwhile Mary reviewed: The Helicopter Heist, and Oxen.
What series did you discover and enjoy this month? Anything we have missed and need to catch?
