Why You Won’t Believe the Face Behind the ‘The Breakthrough’ Murder Case

by

It’s not surprising that Netflix has been delving into true crime stories recently, given their substantial and devoted audience. Their latest offering in this genre is a Swedish noir miniseries titled “The Breakthrough,” directed by Lisa Siwe. This series dramatizes a real-life double murder case that occurred in the city of Linköping. On the morning of October 19, 2004, an 8-year-old boy named Adnan (Marley Norstad) and a 56-year-old woman named Gunilla (Anna Azcárate) were both brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight while walking on the same street. The only witness was a local woman, Karin (Annika Hallin), who was cycling nearby when she heard Gunilla’s screams. Unfortunately, despite composite sketches based on Karin’s description and DNA evidence left at the scene, lead investigator John (Peter Eggers) was unable to identify the perpetrator.

The show follows a 16-year quest by John, who embarks on this journey to uncover the truth about Adnan’s murder as per his promise to Adnan’s father. Although the case had been cold for years, it gains new life when John encounters genealogist Per (Mattias Nordkvist). Together, they struggle against red tape, media pressure, and family obligations to find the culprit and see him punished. But, you might wonder, do they manage to solve the case in the end?

New DNA Testing and Genealogy Research Is John’s Last Hope

In the first episode of “The Breakthrough,” we see the crime taking place in 2004. The majority of the series, however, unfolds over a ten-year period. During those years, John collected DNA samples from over 6,000 people in the area, tried to identify the owner of the hat and knife left at the scene, and questioned potential suspects who matched eyewitness accounts or had criminal records. Despite his relentless efforts, John could only offer the victims’ families updates on the case. With no significant progress, both they and John’s superior officer began to lose hope and tried to move on with their lives. However, John vowed to find Adnan and Gunilla’s killer. True to his word, he continued his pursuit, even if it meant working alone.

After 16 years without progress, John learns that the notorious Golden State Killer has been apprehended using genealogy research. Since this case had remained unsolved for 40 years, he saw this as his opportunity to find answers. To help him, he connects with a skilled genealogist named Per who aims to construct the ultimate family tree for mankind. However, their methodology, which involves matching DNA from databases with ancestry analysis, is not entirely lawful (due to data privacy regulations). Despite this, they press on. John tries to keep their illicit collaboration secret, while Per tirelessly searches for a DNA match – either the killer or a relative – knowing that their efforts are likely to be halted eventually.

Who Killed Adnan and Gunilla?

John and Per’s investigation faces numerous challenges, including questionable data practices, as they search for the killer. Upon examining the original DNA sample, Per acknowledges its incompleteness, necessitating additional samples from the database. In a twist, a journalist who initially reported on the murder in 2004, Stina Eriksson (Julia Sporre), learns about their genealogy approach and threatens to reveal details that could jeopardize the investigation. Fortunately, more DNA evidence is discovered from other sources (an unexpected convenience), and John negotiates a deal with Stina: she receives exclusive rights to the story in exchange for delaying its publication for a few days and providing a DNA swab.

It appears that Stina is the murderer’s first cousin, a connection that might lead one to ponder fate’s role. Upon examining his family tree, Per has determined that the suspect could be either David or Stefan Nilsson. Upon scrutinizing their criminal records, David Nilsson aligns perfectly with their suspect profile. Shortly after his apprehension and questioning, he admits to the crime. His explanation? Voices in his head compelled him to take two lives. There was no mastermind plot, bias-driven act, or hidden motive. Instead, David Nilsson randomly killed Adnan and Gunilla due to an unaddressed mental health issue.

After David made his confession, there isn’t much more detail given about what transpired next, except for a scene where Stefan is seen gazing at his own children, along with a picture that includes them and David. Although Stefan remains silent, it is clear that he is mourning the brotherly bond he believed they shared.

Everyone Can Finally Move On

In conclusion, the finale of “The Breakthrough” provides the necessary resolution for its characters. Gunilla’s spouse Kjell (Per Burell) expresses his appreciation towards John, despite their brief encounter. Adnan’s parents embrace upon receiving positive news, present John with a watch that once belonged to their son, as a token of gratitude for fulfilling his pledge. They also introduce their youngest daughter, Gunilla, who was named after the courageous woman trying to save Adnan. Moreover, Stina and Per decide to collaborate on a book about the investigation and its groundbreaking family tree research, referencing the real-life nonfiction book that inspired the show.

With the cold case no longer hanging over them, all of David’s victims, including John, can finally find closure and move forward in their lives. David’s relentless pursuit to uncover the killer had left him neglecting his responsibilities as a father to his son, Henry (Fabian Penje). In the final scenes, they are seen having lunch together. John expresses his regrets, Henry congratulates his dad for solving the case, and they discuss plans for scuba diving in the near future. No more long work hours or a mind preoccupied by an unidentified killer. Now, John can also find peace.

Stream The Breakthrough on Netflix now.

Read More

2025-01-18 19:31