Nordic Watchlist reviews Netflix’s Mango
Netflix’s latest Nordic film, Mango, centres around a luxury hotel in Málaga. Whilst overseeing a major piece of project work, driven hotel manager Lærke (Josephine Park) finds herself at odds with Alex (Dar Salim), a former lawyer who refuses to sell his mango plantation. Her daughter, Agnes (Josephine Højbjerg), expecting a relaxing holiday with her rarely available mother, is pulled into the unexpected tension. As emotions surface and loyalties are tested, all three face choices that could change their lives forever.
Mango – The Director
The film is directed by Iranian-born Mehdi Avaz, whose previous credits include A Beautiful Life, Toscana, Kollision and While We Live.
The film is written by Mehdi’s brother, Milad Schwartz Avaz, whose previous credits include Grow / Alfa, STHLM Blackout, Better Times and While We Live.
Mango – The Cast
- Alex – Dar Salim (Sons, The Covenant, Darkland)
- Lærke – Josephine Park (Baby Fever, Oxen)
- Agnes – Josephine Højbjerg (The Bridge)
- Paula – Sara Jiménez (Julieta, Caronte)
- Joan – Paprika Steen (Families Like Ours)
- Tom – Anders W. Berthelsen (Held for Ransom)
- Kristian – Sebastian Jessen (While We Live)
Mango – Our Review
Directed by Mehdi Avaz, Mango is a warm, if familiar, romantic drama set against the lush backdrop of Malaga, Spain. The film follows Lærke (Josephine Park), an ambitious hotel manager sent to develop a luxury resort on a mango farm owned by Alex (Dar Salim), a former lawyer with a tragic past. Lærke brings her teenage daughter Agnes (Josephine Højbjerg) along, hoping for a rare moment of connection. What unfolds is a story of unexpected love, personal growth, and the rediscovery of joy in the most unlikely of places.
Josephine Park and Dar Salim deliver solid performances in the lead roles. Park embodies the driven, emotionally guarded city professional with precision, while Salim brings a quiet warmth and sincerity to Alex, a man still tethered to grief. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their evolving relationship—complete with misunderstandings, reluctant bonding, and eventual emotional breakthroughs—follows the well-worn path of the “enemies to lovers” trope. It’s charming, if predictable, and reminiscent of the comforting formula found in Hallmark-style romances.
The supporting cast adds texture to the story, particularly Josephine Højbjerg as Agnes, the archetypal sulky teen. Her strained relationship with her mother and disappointment over not getting into architecture school provide emotional depth, though her arc feels somewhat underdeveloped. Sara Jiménez and Paprika Steen also appear in minor but colourful roles that help flesh out the local community.
Visually, Mango is a treat. The film makes full use of Malaga’s natural beauty, with sweeping shots of dusty mountain roads, golden hour sunsets, and the vibrant countryside. The finca where Lærke and Agnes stay is a character in itself—its mustard-yellow walls, green doors, and intricate blue tiles evoke a sense of rustic charm and Mediterranean warmth. The cinematography bathes everything in a sun-kissed glow, enhancing the film’s cosy, escapist appeal.
The soundtrack is a delightful mix of 70s Motown, funk, and soul, adding a playful energy to the otherwise mellow tone. It complements the film’s emotional beats and injects a sense of nostalgia and rhythm that keeps the pace lively.
While Mango doesn’t break new ground narratively, it offers enough scenic beauty, heartfelt performances, and light-hearted moments to keep viewers engaged throughout its 96-minute runtime. It’s a feel-good film that leans into its genre conventions but does so with sincerity and charm. For fans of romantic dramas with a European flair, Mango is a sweet, sunlit escape.
Mango hits Netflix on November 7.