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The Åre Murders: A Chilling Nordic Noir Masterpiece Unfolds on Netflix
If you're a fan of gripping crime dramas, breathtaking landscapes, and psychologically rich storytelling, The Åre Murders should be at the top of your watchlist. Released globally on Netflix in February 2025, this Swedish crime series has taken the world by storm, quickly becoming one of the most-watched non-English shows on the platform.
Blending the slow-burning suspense of Nordic noir with emotional depth and social realism, The Åre Murders offers much more than just another detective story. Let’s dive deep into what makes this series a standout in the ever-growing genre of international crime thrillers.
A Brief Overview: What is The Åre Murders About?
The Åre Murders (original title: Åremorden) is a Swedish television series based on the best-selling novels Hidden in Snow and Hidden in the Shadows by Viveca Sten. The story follows Hanna Ahlander, a police officer from Stockholm, who escapes to the snowy ski resort town of Åre after a personal and professional breakdown. But rest is not in the cards for Hanna. A local teenage girl disappears, and Hanna finds herself thrown into a complex investigation that digs deep into the dark underbelly of the seemingly peaceful mountain town.
She teams up with Daniel Lindskog, a local detective, and together they unravel a web of secrets, lies, and hidden pain lurking beneath Åre’s icy exterior.
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The Setting: Åre – More Than Just a Backdrop
Åre, known primarily as a skiing paradise in Jämtland County, becomes a character in its own right in the series. The snow-covered forests, steep mountains, and lonely cabins create an atmosphere of isolation and suspense. Filmed entirely on location, the series uses the natural beauty of the area to both soothe and unsettle viewers.
The stark, often silent landscape mirrors the emotional struggles of the characters, making the environment an essential storytelling tool. The contrast between the postcard-perfect scenery and the grisly crimes lurking beneath it adds a distinct Nordic noir flavor to the series.
Characters that Leave a Mark
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Hanna Ahlander (Carla Sehn)
Hanna is not your typical hero. She’s vulnerable, broken, and deeply human. After being unceremoniously dismissed from the Stockholm police force and dumped by her boyfriend, she retreats to Åre seeking solace—but ends up finding purpose instead. Hanna is smart, intuitive, and relentless, even when she’s doubted by others or struggling with self-doubt.
Carla Sehn delivers a stunning performance, balancing Hanna’s emotional fragility with her fierce determination to uncover the truth.
Daniel Lindskog (Kardo Razzazi)
Daniel is the calm, methodical counterpart to Hanna’s more intuitive approach. A local investigator with a strong moral compass, he becomes both a professional partner and a quiet emotional anchor in the story. The chemistry between Sehn and Razzazi is subtle but undeniable, making their partnership one of the most compelling aspects of the show.
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A Web of Mystery: Plot Without Spoilers
At its core, The Åre Murders is a whodunit. But unlike many formulaic detective shows, this one takes its time to build tension and invest in character development. The missing girl case is only the beginning. As Hanna and Daniel dig deeper, they uncover disturbing truths involving domestic abuse, family secrets, drug use, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the community.
What sets this show apart is how it balances the procedural with the personal. Every character feels like a real person with their own struggles, desires, and demons.
Themes: More Than Just Crime Solving
What makes The Åre Murders truly impactful is its fearless exploration of real-world issues. The show tackles:
- Domestic violence
- Sex trafficking
- Mental health
- Corruption
- The trauma of loss and betrayal
- The hidden costs of small-town secrets
Rather than using these themes as mere plot devices, the show takes the time to explore the emotional and psychological toll they take on victims and investigators alike. It’s a show that respects the intelligence and empathy of its audience.
Cinematic Excellence: Direction and Production
Directed by Joakim Eliasson and Alain Darborg, and written by Karin Gidfors and Jimmy Lindgren, The Åre Murders is a tightly woven, visually stunning piece of work. Every frame feels deliberate, every shot rich with meaning. The muted color palette, heavy with whites and grays, perfectly complements the somber tone of the series.
The score is haunting without being overbearing, and the pacing—slow but steady—allows tension to build naturally.
Global Reception: A Breakout Hit
Within the first week of its release, The Åre Murders had over 8 million views, making it Netflix’s top non-English language show during that period. It quickly earned rave reviews from both audiences and critics for its complex storytelling, high production value, and outstanding performances.
The show has sparked discussions online, particularly for its realistic depiction of violence against women and its critique of systems that fail to protect the vulnerable. It’s being compared to other Nordic noir hits like The Bridge, The Killing, and Trapped, but many argue that The Åre Murders brings a uniquely emotional and psychological depth to the genre.
Comparison to Other Nordic Noirs
While many Nordic noirs thrive on dark visuals and twisted murders, The Åre Murders stands out for its focus on character psychology. Unlike shows that focus primarily on the killer’s motives, this series is just as interested in the trauma that crime inflicts on those left behind—and those investigating it.
It’s less about catching the bad guy and more about understanding why people break—and how they heal.
Will There Be a Season 2?
Given the massive success of Season 1 and the fact that it's based on a book series, there’s a strong possibility that The Åre Murders will return for another season. The character arcs, especially Hanna’s, have plenty of room for growth, and the town of Åre no doubt has more secrets to reveal.
Fans are eagerly waiting for an official announcement, and with Viveca Sten’s novels offering more material, the future looks promising.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 6, 2025 |
| Season(s) | 1 |
| Episodes | 5 |
| Average Episode Length | ~43 minutes |
| Netflix Views (First 4 Days) | 8.8 million |
| Netflix Global Rank | #1 Most Watched Non-English Series (Week of Release) |
| Top Countries | Ranked #1 in 26 countries including UK |
| Rotten Tomatoes – Critics | 83% |
| Rotten Tomatoes – Audience | 80% |
| Average Rating (Rating Graph) | 6.9/10 |
| Total Votes (Rating Graph) | 1,763 |
| Average Votes per Episode | ~353 |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Based on Novels | Hidden in Snow and Hidden in the Shadows by Viveca Sten |
| Book Sales (Author) | 10+ million copies worldwide, published in 40+ countries |
| Filming Location | Åre, Jämtland County, Sweden |
| Production Company | SF Studios |
| Executive Producer | Viveca Sten |
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. Whether you're a long-time fan of crime thrillers or new to the Nordic noir genre, The Åre Murders delivers a powerful punch. It’s a smart, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant series that elevates the crime drama format to something truly memorable.
From its haunting opening scene to its heart-wrenching finale, The Åre Murders is a masterclass in tension, storytelling, and character work. It’s not just a show—it’s an experience.