“The Åre Murders,” Netflix’s latest Nordic noir offering, has just hit the streaming platform, bringing a chilling dose of Swedish crime drama to screens worldwide. This series adapts Viveca Sten’s popular novels, “Hidden in Snow” and “Hidden in the Shadows,” into a gripping television narrative.
Set against the backdrop of Åre, a picturesque Swedish ski resort known for its stunning landscapes, the show weaves a tale of mystery and suspense. The story follows Hanna Ahlander, a Stockholm police officer portrayed by Carla Sehn, who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads. Suspended from her job and reeling from a recent breakup, Hanna retreats to her sister’s vacation home in Åre.
What begins as a respite from her troubles quickly turns into a high-stakes investigation when a young woman vanishes on the icy night of Lucia. Unable to resist the pull of the case, Hanna teams up with local police officer Daniel Lindskog, played by Kardo Razzazi. Their partnership is fraught with tension, as Daniel grapples with personal challenges and an understaffed police station.
The series delves deep into themes of trust, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the unforgiving beauty of Åre’s snow-covered terrain. This juxtaposition of serene landscapes and dark human nature is a hallmark of the Nordic noir genre, which “The Åre Murders” embraces wholeheartedly.
Directors Joakim Eliasson and Alain Darborg bring their expertise to the project, with Eliasson known for his work on “Gåsmamman” and Darborg for “Red Dot.” The screenplay, penned by Karin Gidfors and Jimmy Lindgren, aims to capture the essence of Sten’s novels, which have sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
The production, helmed by Brita H Lundqvist at SF Studios, faced the challenges of winter filming head-on. Shooting on location in Åre and Stockholm, the team has created a visually engaging experience that authentically captures the series’ settings. This attention to detail extends to the local architecture and ski slopes, which serve as more than mere backdrops, becoming integral elements of the storytelling.
“The Åre Murders” features a strong ensemble cast alongside Sehn and Razzazi. Charlie Gustafsson, Francisco Sobrado, and Amalia Holm round out the main cast, bringing depth to the series’ complex characters. The show also benefits from the involvement of Viveca Sten herself, who serves as an executive producer alongside Tim King and Susann Billberg-Rydholm.
For fans of crime dramas and Nordic noir, “The Åre Murders” promises to be a compelling addition to the genre. With its blend of suspenseful storytelling, complex characters, and breathtaking scenery, the series is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, potentially becoming as successful as Sten’s books have been both in Sweden and abroad.
As viewers settle in to unravel the mysteries of Åre, they can expect a series that not only entertains but also showcases the best of Swedish storytelling and cinematography. “The Åre Murders” is now streaming exclusively on Netflix, inviting audiences to lose themselves in its icy intrigue and uncover the secrets hidden beneath the snow.
Where to Watch “The Åre Murders”
The Cast
Jon Øigarden
