Watch The Unlikely Murderer

The Unlikely Murderer is a captivating and engaging Netflix series released in 2021. This Swedish crime drama is a portrayal of one of the most complex and mysterious cases in Sweden's modern history, exploring realities beyond what one could imagine. Given the vast array of emotions it invokes, it's not just a show for crime-drama enthusiasts, but rather it's a psychological exploration of intrigue, suspense, and obsession.

Set in the heart of Scandinavian society, The Unlikely Murderer takes viewers back to the cold reality of Sweden's unwelcome past, specifically looking at the aftermath of the shocking assassination of the country's Prime Minister, Olof Palme. The show narrates a chilling tale of outright audacity and the lengths to which an ordinary individual would go. It provides a speculative account of the circumstances and events leading to the notorious assassination, stepping into controversial territories of conjecture and presumption.

At the centre of the plot is Stig Engström, played by Robert Gustafsson, a seemingly unremarkable graphic designer, introduced as the probable murderer. Engström seems hardly the type to pull off such a high-profile crime, yet he grabs viewers' curiosity. Gustafsson delivers a compelling performance, authentically portraying the character's multitude of facets. He expertly morphs from appearing as a regular middle-aged man, discontent with life and despised at work, to a man obsessively wormed into a murder case of national importance. Contrasting from the grim plot, his character also infuses a subtle comedic element to the narrative without losing the gravity of the circumstances.

While on one end, The Unlikely Murderer provides an investigative journey, on the other hand, it's a profound character study. The show brilliantly dives into the intricacies of Engström’s character: his mundane life, growing dissatisfaction with his work and personal life, and his odd obsession with the crime. The intricate narrative complements the psychological exploration of how Engström evolves amidst the chaos, making him a fascinating character study.

One of the strong suits of the series is its proposed reality in fiction. This fictive interpretation, based on true events, creates a strange sensation for the audience, as they oscillate between disbelieving the narrative's ludicrousness and being awestruck by its bold assertiveness. The series creatively showcases how Engström manoeuvres himself into being the prime suspect, without evidence or motive but solely railroading himself into the investigation in an almost farcical manner.

The Unlikely Murderer is set against the backdrop of Stockholm's tranquil streets and desolate winter, which makes for a visually impressive series. The calm and serene aesthetics juxtaposed with the murky reality of the murder case enhances the storytelling. The direction by Thomas Alfredson and Charlotte Brändström takes the viewers on a riveting journey filled with suspense and thrilling moments.

Moreover, the series, while dwelling deep into one perspective of the murder case, does not shy away from critically examining Sweden's political climate during that era. It takes the audience through the labyrinth of conspiracy theories, misleading clues, distrust, and the brutal realities of political corruption and power play, providing a comprehensive understanding of that time.

One of the most interesting aspects of the series is its resistance against preaching a definite conclusion. While providing a hypothetical explanation to the unsolved mystery, it leaves enough space to stir up audience interpretations, perceptions, and debates, emphasizing the ambiguity of truth and personal perspectives.

With its well-paced narrative, stellar performances, meticulous character development, striking aesthetics, and a skilfully deceptive plot, The Unlikely Murderer successfully engages its audience in a distinctive blend of true crime, rhetoric, and Nordic Noir.

The show is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, political thrillers, and Scandinavian cinema. It invites its audience to step into a bird's eye view of a national tragedy and its complexities, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Through its unique storytelling, The Unlikely Murderer echoes the chilling reminder that sometimes reality can be stranger than fiction.

The Unlikely Murderer is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between November 5, 2021 and on Netflix