Each month, Nordic Watchlist curates the best in film, TV, and literature from across the Nordic region, bringing you our standout picks in one place. Nordic Spotlight: Best in Screen and Page is your go-to roundup for the most compelling stories, gripping performances, and must-read books that caught our attention. From thrilling new series and cinematic gems to standout interviews and literary discoveries, here’s everything we loved in January—and what you should be adding to your watchlist next!
This Month on Nordic Watchlist
- Alex spoke to Danish actor Marco Ilsø about his role in Viaplay series Bullshit
- Glen checked out new Danish series Fatal Crossing and shared his views on the show
- Netflix screened Benjamin Rees’ The Remarkable Life of Ibelin which Mary reviewed
- The Last of The Demeter got a double review (and two opinion) with Mary enjoying the film and our new recruit Sarah was not so much a fan!
- Alex waded into the slow-burn thriller Blackwater which came out on Walter Presents
- Glen’s first book review of 2025 was Into Thin Air by Ørjan Karlsson
- Director Magnus von Horn chatted to Alex about the cast in his Academy-nominated film The Girl With The Needle
- Speaking of The Girl With The Needle – Mary shared her views on the film, which is now available on streamer MUBI
- Nordic Watchlist took a look at what series are expected at beginning of the year with their New Nordic Series for 2025 article.
- Alex spoke to Icelandic director Thordur Palsson and actress Odessa Young about his new spooky thriller The Damned.
- Ørjan Karlsson spoke to Glen about his new nordic noir series – Into Thin Air.
- The Breakthrough hit our Netflix screens and captivated us all – Mary shared her thoughts.
- And the year kicked off with three film reviews with NR24 on Netflix, Stockholm Bloodbath hitting selected cinemas and digital on demand, and Thordur Palsson’s creepy thriller The Damned
FILM: The Damned | UK & Irish Cinemas
Kicking off the year with a chilling Nordic horror, The Damned delivers eerie atmosphere, slow-burning dread, and standout performances—especially from Odessa Young. Directed by Thordur Palsson, this psychological thriller blends folklore with claustrophobic tension, making it a must-watch for fans of intelligent horror.
FILM: The Girl With The Needle | MUBI
Recently Oscar-nominated and now streaming on MUBI, The Girl With the Needle is a haunting and beautifully crafted period drama from Magnus von Horn. With stunning cinematography and a gripping performance from its lead, the film immerses viewers in a dark chapter of history, balancing raw emotion with masterful storytelling. It is very dark and if you can handle that then you will be rewarded by an incredible experience.
TV SERIES: The Breakthrough | Netflix (Worldwide)
The Breakthrough took Netflix by storm at the start of the year, quickly becoming a fan favorite. This gripping series blends suspense, heart-pounding drama, and sharp performances, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with every twist. It’s a standout in the crime-thriller genre, delivering both intense action and emotional depth.
TV SERIES: Blackwater | Channel 4 / Walter Presents (UK)
Blackwater on Walter Presents is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. This psychological thriller hooks you with its atmospheric storytelling and complex characters, offering a gripping look into a mysterious crime that unfolds layer by layer. If you’re a fan of suspenseful, nuanced narratives, this is one you won’t want to miss but if you like your thrillers with action and pace you might have to skip this one.
BOOKS:
Into Thin Air by Ørjan Karlsson | Orenda Books
A new year, the first instalment of a planned ten-book series and a new (to English readers at least) author. With a background in the Norwegian military and Civil Defence, author Ørjan Karlsson’s military thrillers (as yet, untranslated into English) have proved to be huge sellers in his native country. His first two crime novels have proved equally as popular and the publication of the first, Into Thin Air in English proves to be a thrilling addition to the Nordic Police catalogue.
Set in the remote northwest of Norway, we’re introduced to Detective Jakob Weber and his team as they investigate two initially unlinked missing person cases that soon take on a much darker turn. That remote island setting is pivotal in Karlsson’s storytelling, and the stunning beauty and remoteness provide a perfect canvas for gruesome crimes. With compelling characters, riveting storytelling and plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing, Into Thin Air sets the bar high for 2025 Nordic literature.
What series did you discover this month? Anything we have missed and need to catch?
