Scandinavian Film & TV June 2024

For this month’s column, I’m looking at the new high-profile Netflix production Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter, a Swedish fantasy adventure. The book by world-famous Swedish children’s author Astrid Lindgren, who is probably most known for Pippi Longstocking, was a favourite of my childhood.

In March this year, Netflix brought the Swedish fantasy tale to a global audience. It’s released in two instalments. Part 1 premiered on 28 March in the Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, the UK, France, Spain and the Netherlands. Part 2 will come later this year with no exact date yet announced.

Photo: Audrius Solominas/Netflix

For those who, unlike myself, didn’t grow up with Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter and are unaware of the plot, it centres around the adventures of Ronja, a spirited and rebellious girl born into a gang of robbers in a medieval Scandinavian castle. As she grows up, she discovers the magical but dangerous surrounding forest with its strange and mysterious creatures.

Lindgren wrote the tale in 1981 and the Netflix adaptation has been scripted by Hans Rosenfeldt, directed by Lisa James Larsson, and Kerstin Linden stars as Ronja. When it premiered, the director explained the huge effort and investment that went into the production, which takes us to some of Sweden’s magical places.

Photo: Audrius Solominas/Netflix

I’m excited to revisit a story I haven’t heard since childhood, but also to bring that story to my daughter once she reaches the appropriate age. And for the opportunity it gives global audiences to witness Sweden’s vast, beautiful landscape and to experience Swedish art and creativity.

At a time when large-scale global productions usually come from the US and the UK, it’s welcome news that a Nordic nation can put on such a large production where thousands of actors auditioned and with the final cast and crew reaching more than 200 people.

Part 1 of Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter is currently streaming on Netflix.

Photo: Audrius Solominas/Netflix

Anders Lorenzen is a Danish blogger and film and TV enthusiast living in London.