Originally published June 20, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
The Fjällbacka Murders, 2012.
Based on stories by Camilla Läckberg
Starring Claudia Galli Concha, Richard Ulfsäter, Lennart Jähkel, Jan Malmsjo, Amanda Ooms and Per Myrberg.
SYNOPSIS:
Adapted from the novels by Camilla Läckberg, the Fjällbacka Murders revolve around a successful crime writer and murderous goings on in Fjällbacka, Sweden.
Like a Scandi version of the Midsomer Murders, everything that can go wrong will go wrong in Fjällbacka. It certainly seems that the lead protagonist Erica Falck (Claudia Galli) brings a hefty wedge of bad luck with her when she and policeman husband Patrick decide to move to the charming seaside town. They and their three children soon experience all sorts of twisted mysteries and dark desires, both local and personal.
Consisting of 6 feature length dramas including the cinematic release The Hidden Child, the set is a well delivered and purposeful series of crime stories. It delivers the importance of the impact of history on the present in many story strands and this is one of the key areas that it explores. However, this plus the rather staid feel of the narratives and set ups makes the show feel somewhat old fashioned, particularly when set against recent Scandinavian crime successes such as The Bridge and The Killing.
The key draw to the show is the idea that a writer can turn detective and become unable to keep herself away from the investigatory impulse. This works up to a point, but there isn’t enough in Falck’s character and her partnership with husband Patrick to really keep us gripped. They seem a little too normal and a little too nice, but perhaps – again – that is when making comparisons with other hit Scandi programming. In any case, there is enough in The Fjällbacka Murders for a mildly diverting watch but not much more than that, and certainly nothing to create a new wave of crime fans.
The Fjällbacka Murders is available on DVD now.
Robert W Monk is a freelance journalist and film writer.
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
