Among the standout productions featured in the scripted slate of Cineflix Rights is the anticipated series “Hildur.” This program is being described as a refreshing take on the Nordic crime genre, known as “Nordic Blue.” Adapted from Satu Rämö’s acclaimed trilogy, the series distinguishes itself from typical Nordic noir by injecting warmth and humanity into its narrative, centering around Icelandic police officer Hildur, who finds solace in surfing, while her Finnish counterpart, Jakob, finds comfort in knitting.
Set against the rich backdrop of Iceland, the series follows Hildur, who grapples with the unresolved disappearance of her two sisters, a haunting trauma from her childhood. Now returning to her hometown, she is pulled into a web of crimes that intersect with her past, aided by an unlikely duo: the Finnish rookie officer Jakob, portrayed by Lauri Tilkanen from “Deadwind,” and German recruit Florian, played by Rick Okon from “Das Boot” and “Sisi 4.”
“What initially attracted us to the series was its original and compelling storyline,” remarked Tom Misselbrook, SVP of scripted sales and development at Cineflix Rights. He highlighted that the six-part series, produced in collaboration with Finland’s Take Two Studios and Iceland’s Sagafilm, takes the audience on an emotional journey through the atmospheric setting of Iceland’s Westfjords, featuring a complex yet relatable protagonist.
“Hildur is a Nordic crime thriller unlike any we’ve seen before,” added Misselbrook. “It balances the thrilling aspects of crime and investigation with themes of friendship, familial ties, and humor, making it compelling for a diverse audience, not just hardcore crime fans.”
The IP was further appealing due to its successful track record; Satu Rämö’s “Hildur” trilogy has sold over a million copies across 22 territories, showcasing a robust pre-existing fan base. This pre-established popularity will, undoubtedly, enhance its potential viewership.
Veteran screenwriter and fellow crime author Matti Laine, who adapted the novels for television, noted that he was already among the 600,000+ Finns who had enjoyed Rämö’s work, citing the depth of Hildur’s character, her background, and her life in the small Icelandic town Ísafjörður as engaging facets of the story. He emphasized the series’ unique angle on Nordic crime, prioritizing character development over traditional mystery formats.
Co-writer and Icelandic screenwriter Margret Örnolfsdóttir, who joined the project at a time when the first book had not yet been published in Iceland, expressed her initial skepticism towards the concept. However, she soon recognized the authenticity woven through Rämö’s narratives. “The landscapes reflect the lightness and vitality of the Westfjords, which diverges from the darker themes typical of Nordic Noir,” Örnolfsdóttir articulated.
Courtesy of Cineflix, TakeTwo, Bjorgvin Hilmarsson
Director Tinna Hrafnsdóttir believes that “Nordic Blue” represents a contemporary shift from the bleakness of traditional Nordic crime. By focusing on the profound relationship between Hildur and Jakob, she aims to highlight the essential human connections against a backdrop of scenic beauty filled with emotional contrasts.
The creative team discussed the necessity of reinterpreting the source material while maintaining the essence of the story. Örnolfsdóttir remarked, “Adaptations require us to create new narratives to keep viewers engaged while still honoring the original work’s core themes and emotions.” Laine also noted the strategic introduction of the character Florian to bring humor and depth into the mix.
Hrafnsdóttir expressed satisfaction with the chemistry among the trio of lead actors—Finnsdóttir, Tilkanen, and Okon. She emphasized the transformative effort required for Finnsdóttir’s portrayal of Hildur, with a noticeable change to her appearance to better encapsulate the character’s toughness juxtaposed with vulnerability.
The collaboration between Icelandic and Finnish talents has led to a high-caliber production, with a budget of €1 million ($1.1 million) per episode, ensuring top-tier filmmaking standards, supported by institutions such as Nelonen Media and private funders.
Scheduled for release in early 2026 on Nelonen’s streaming service Ruutu in Finland, interest from international buyers is already robust, and Cineflix Rights plans to provide more in-depth presentations and pitches at Mipcom, showcasing behind-the-scenes content and promising narratives.
As the content market navigates a cautious landscape, having “recognizable genres with a point of difference” is key for success, stated Misselbrook, who also highlighted other promising titles on the Cineflix slate.
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