The ARE Murders: My Take

So, Miranda Pell & Andrea Oldereide write:

New Netflix crime drama tops charts in 26 countries as fans binge-watch in one sitting

The Swedish crime thriller “The Åre Murders” has taken Netflix by storm, hitting the number one spot with an impressive 8.8 million views shortly after its release. The show dominated Netflix’s top charts in 26 countries, including the UK, since its debut on February 6.

Based on the book series by acclaimed Swedish novelist Viveca Sten, the adaptation has fans buzzing on social media platforms, urging others to dive into the suspenseful series. On X, previously known as Twitter, viewers showered praise on the show, pointing out its exceptional storyline, filming, and cast.

If you love Scandi noir like me, you’ll love The Åre Murders on Netflix”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Scandi noir, also known as Nordic noir, is a crime fiction genre that takes place in the Nordic countries or Scandinavia. It’s often written from a police perspective and is known for its bleak landscapes, understated performances, and subtle writing. 

According to The Nordic Mum, Nordic noir is popular because it offers a dark and intriguing exploration of the underbelly of seemingly idyllic Scandinavian societies, with complex characters, bleak landscapes, and often socially critical storylines. It also provides a sense of escapism while also engaging viewers with its realistic portrayal of human flaws and societal issues, particularly when contrasted with the generally positive perception of Nordic countries.

Source: The Mirror US©

My take: Sorry Scandi noir. I’ll take ‘Vera’ on Britbox any day. Yes, the scenery is beautifully Scandi, and quite bleak and depressing at times, but I would consider this series a lightweight contender that could be digested in one extended sitting. However, try that with several episodes of Vera and your head will ache from all of the exacting policework and story lines.

But the cherry on top of this Scandi noir is the homosexual foreplay that is obligatorily thrown in to make the series more ‘relevant’. Or perhaps it’s the protagonist, the outsider, who solves the case, because the other cops mostly stand idly by making this series sort of disappointing and boring.

Oh… Just my .02. Hm, how many Kroners would that be?