Netflix’s latest true crime series has captivated audiences, with many viewers unable to resist watching the whole series in one sitting. This genre never fails to tantalize, drawing us in with stories of real-life events that are as engaging as they are informative.
The streaming giant has carved out a niche in true crime content, and their latest original series is earning rave reviews. A viewer commented, “This show proves you don’t need fantastical twists or exaggerated characters. Just tell the story with care, allowing the plot to unfold naturally.” Another added, “This is among the best true crime productions I’ve seen in years. Real stories, no frills.” Experiences like these are echoed by fans:
“An excellent, fast-paced, well-produced presentation based on true events,” claims another fan who praised the high-quality acting and admitted to binge-watching all four episodes.
The series is not only winning viewer approval but also performing well critically, securing 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2/10 rating on IMDb. It’s even made its way into Netflix’s Top 10 Chart, reflecting its widespread appeal.
The narrative of this Swedish drama is drawn from a book written by journalist Anna Bodin and genealogist Peter Sjölund. It dramatizes Sweden’s second-largest criminal investigation, offering a gripping portrayal of a significant historical event.
This enthralling series is directed by Lisa Siwe and penned by Oskar Söderlund, featuring standout performances by Peter Eggers and Mattias Nordkvist.
Director Siwe shared her vision with Netflix: “Though framed as a fictional drama about crime, it primarily highlights a human tragedy. Our focus is more on victims and investigators than the perpetrator, encapsulating the empathy and resilience needed to heal after traumatic occurrences.”
The series recounts the harrowing incident of October 19, 2004, when eight-year-old Mohammed Ammour and 56-year-old Anna-Lena Svensson were tragically m**dered in Linköping, Sweden, in what appeared to be a random attack. For 16 years, the case remained unresolved, mired by a lack of substantial leads. The discarded hat of the assailant was recovered at the scene but, due to the technological limitations at the time, the DNA evidence did not identify the culprit.
However, the evolution of forensic genealogy in 2020 offered fresh hope, bringing a breakthrough akin to that in the famous Golden State Killer case in the United States. This advancement allowed Swedish authorities to track down the suspect by tracing the family lineage from the DNA found on the hat.
Screenwriter Söderlund expressed to Netflix how reading the book ‘The Breakthrough’ inspired him. “What resonated with me were the potent human elements within this massive investigation. From diligent officers unwilling to abandon the case to the persistent families seeking closure, up to the genealogist whose innovative thinking cracked the mystery wide open.”
The Breakthrough offers a profound exploration of one of Sweden’s darkest chapters through four episodes that blend factual depth with compelling storytelling.
Feel like delving further into this true-crime tale? Watch the compelling trailer for The Breakthrough on Netflix or dive straight into the series now streaming.
