A Polarizing New Crime Thriller is Climbing the Netflix Charts

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The Netflix rankings are typically filled with popular sitcoms from then and now, but surprisingly, a gripping crime thriller has managed to crack the lineup of American comedies and dramas in the top 10 series this week. This Swedish murder-mystery, titled The Breakthrough, which is based on the unique criminal case in Europe that was solved using genetic genealogy, has climbed up to the 6th spot on Netflix’s Top 10 Series.

The TV miniseries draws inspiration from the 2021 novel titled “The Breakthrough: How a Genealogist Solved the Double Murder in Linköping,” written by Anna Bodin and Peter Sjölund. This production is giving established American true-crime series some tough competition.

This show, unlike many lengthy Netflix series with multiple seasons and numerous episodes, stands out as it made its way into the top 10 shows this week, joining the likes of Squid Game 2 and American Primeval.

Bodin and Sjölund are thrilled that FLX and Netflix will be sharing this story, as it’s built on our extensive research. Notably, this is the first criminal case in Europe to be solved using genetic genealogy, a case that has resonated deeply with Linköping, Sweden, and us.

Crowds gathered for the police procedural series where Peter Eggers played the detective and Mattias Nordkvist portrayed the genealogist. For those unaware, a genealogist is someone who researches family lineage and history. In this case, Nordkvist’s character ultimately solved the cold case. The show was produced by FLX and helmed by director Lisa Siwe, with Oskar Söderlund penning the script. This crime drama centers around a murder mystery in Linköping, Sweden from 2004 that remained unsolved for 16 years until a genealogist’s revelation finally brought it to a close.

Is ‘The Breakthrough’ Real or Fiction?

Although “The Breakthrough” is a fictional production, it delves into a truly groundbreaking criminal case that reshaped European investigation techniques for good. The story unfolds around an unusual alliance between a law enforcement officer and a genealogist. Furthermore, the series sheds light on the ripple effects of an unresolved crime within society and its impact on individuals. Director Siwe shared insights about the show’s authenticity with Netflix.

As a movie critic, I must say that this gripping fictional drama series isn’t just about the crime at hand; it’s essentially a poignant portrayal of a human catastrophe. The narrative veers away from the perpetrator and delves deeper into the lives of the victims, the investigation, and the struggle to come to terms with the tragedy. This thought-provoking tale underscores the importance of empathy, compassion, and unity in our darkest hours, serving as a testament to the power of human connection when faced with unimaginable adversity.

Meanwhile, as a Swedish noir series is dominating the rankings, another intriguing Swedish noir film project derived from the critically-acclaimed and blockbuster video game “Alan Wake” is underway, aiming to further bolster the Swedish crime thriller scene. The Swedes are leaving quite an impression in the noir crime genre, and other countries can only aspire to match their achievements.

You can stream the four-episode-long series The Breakthrough on Netflix now.

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2025-01-14 02:33