Discover 5 new Nordic releases with our July Monthly Guide and find out which titles to add to your Nordic Watchlist this month, across film, TV and books. Including the return of The Congregation and Aliette Ophiem as Eva (pictured below)
FILMS & TV SERIES
TV Series
Johanna Möller – Sweden’s Most Hated Woman | TV Series | Viaplay | 24th July (USA) 14th July (UK)
Sweden’s infamous ‘summer cottage murder’ case is reopened as Johanna Möller, convicted of planning her father’s murder and attempting to kill her mother, speaks out for the first time. This shocking conviction was secured without forensic evidence, relying solely on the testimony of her boyfriend, Mohammad, whose story notoriously shifted twelve times. Through expert analysis, this docuseries delves into the truth behind one of Sweden’s most notorious killers, examining the profound influence of media attention and the justice system’s role in determining guilt. The series asks a critical question: could one of Sweden’s most written-about criminals be imprisoned on inaccurate grounds?
The Congregation – Bride of Christ | TV Series | Viaplay | 24th July (USA) 28th July (UK)
This dark and enthralling series, inspired by real-life events, is based on Jonas Bonnier’s acclaimed novel, which also inspired the HBO docuseries Pray, Obey, Kill.
The first season, which was absolutely superb, introduces a young woman (played by Alba August), who seeks belonging and is drawn into the secluded and controversial Christian cult of Knutby, nestled in a rural Swedish town. Here, devotion subtly masks manipulation until a brutal crime exposes the darkness hidden within.
The second season delves deeper into the story of Eva (Aliette Opheim – Caliphate, Thicker Than Water), the so-called “Bride of Christ.” Following the grisly events of the first season, attention shifts to the increasingly isolated Knutby Pentecostal congregation. As Örjan, a new pastor, becomes Eva’s confidant, a darker truth emerges: one of control, manipulation, and spiritual abuse lurking behind the community’s devout facade.
Not a series to sleep on – it is fantastic!
The Sommerdahl Murders Season 3 | TV Series | Walter Presents/Channel 4 (UK) | 20th June
Season 3 of The Sommerdahl Murders finds DCI Dan Sommerdahl grappling with a profound personal crisis while tackling new murder cases in the scenic Danish coastal town of Helsingør. His marriage has collapsed, and his ex-wife, Marianne, is now in a relationship with his closest friend and partner, Flemming Torp, adding a complex layer to their professional dynamic. The season kicks off with “Repressed Emotions,” a two-part episode where the discovery of a man in a wetsuit near a harbor apartment complex sets the stage for a series of intricate investigations that test Dan and Flemming’s skills.
The season continues with “The Cannes of the North,” another two-part storyline that centres on the murder of a local real-estate developer. He’s found dead in a boat shortly after his marina project gets city council approval. As Dan and Flemming delve into the case, they uncover unexpected twists that challenge their perceptions and professional boundaries. Later, in “For Love of God and Country,” the detectives face the perplexing case of a nun shot with a pistol, potentially dating back to World War II, leading them to navigate the delicate intersection of faith, mental health, and accountability.
The season concludes with “Fair Play,” a multifaceted mystery involving the murder of widow Nancy Brinck and the disappearance of her prized show dog, Snowball. Despite a recent hospital stay, Dan’s unwavering commitment to justice compels him to leave early and pursue new leads, showcasing his dedication even amidst personal hardship.
An Honest Life | TV Series | Netflix (USA) | 16th June
Simon (Simon Lööf, Threesome) arrives in Lund, eager for a fresh start, only to be disillusioned by law school. A violent protest introduces him to the charismatic anarchist, Max (Nora Rios , Caliphate). He falls hard for her, and she pulls him into a dazzling world of excess, lies, and dangerous gambles. By the time he recognises the damage, escaping her grip is impossible. An Honest Life is a thrilling exploration of betrayal, class, and the allure of life outside the law.
BOOKS
Home Before Dark| Eva Bjorg Ægisdóttir | Orenda Books | 17 July
Acclaimed for her Forbidden Iceland Series, Eva Bjorg Ægisdóttir offers a standalone thriller for 2025, Home Before Dark. A missing sister, a decade-old unsolved murder and a young woman who struggles to separate her dreams from reality, Ægisdóttir’s ability to plot a complex twisting psychological thriller is given full reign here.
