The Wednesday Club: A tale of secrets and suspense
A new cinematic journey
Welcome to The Wednesday Club, a film that promises to unravel the dark secrets hidden even among the closest of friends. Set to begin shooting in 2026, this intriguing project will be directed by Zaida Bergroth, known for her work on “Tove,” and penned by Ville Virtanen and Birthe Wingren. Virtanen, a seasoned actor recognized for his role in Netflix’s “Bordertown,” will also appear in Klaus Härö’s upcoming drama “Never Alone.”
A story rooted in history
Based on Kjell Westö’s acclaimed novel, the narrative unfolds in 1938 Helsinki, a time when the world teetered on the brink of the Second World War. The actions of Hitler stir both anger and admiration among the members of the titular gentleman’s club. As lawyer Claes Thune’s old friends gather in his office, his new secretary, Matilda Wiik, is confronted with a voice from her traumatic past during the Finnish Civil War. Her tormentor, oblivious to her presence, forces Matilda to face her buried horrors once more.
A celebrated author and an ambitious adaptation
Kjell Westö is a revered figure in Finnish literature, and adapting his work is a significant undertaking. Oskari Huttu, producer for Helsinki-based Lucy Loves Drama, emphasizes the importance of this project. ”For us, adapting this novel is a big deal. Working with Zaida is a big deal. It’s such an ambitious project: a ‘natural’ pan-Scandinavian co-production. It will be shot in Swedish, and we’ve had a lot of interest from international actors already.”
A new challenge for Bergroth
The film, described as an “intelligent suspense drama,” will be showcased at Haugesund’s Nordic Co-Production Market during the New Nordic Films industry event. For Bergroth, known for the 2020 Tove Jansson biopic, “The Good Son,” and “Miami,” this project presents a new kind of challenge. “I used to focus more on character studies. Here, we have a group of childhood friends and an exciting female lead, but there’s also this classic whodunnit structure. I haven’t done anything like this before,” she admits.
Timely questions in a historical setting
Despite its period setting, The Wednesday Club is poised to raise timely and uncomfortable questions. Bergroth aims to make the film feel as close to the present as possible. “For me, that’s the only possible approach: I always need to make it personal and make a film feel my own. There are all these parallels to the present day; war is so close, and it’s interesting to see what’s happening in this kind of political climate. Suddenly, we are willing to bend so many principles – also when it comes to human rights,” she reflects, mentioning a new law in Finland that allows the country to turn asylum seekers away at its eastern border with Russia.
The modern relevance of historical narratives
Huttu adds, “These edgy elements make it feel modern. It’s not some ‘dusty’ period film. These friends are constantly arguing about politics, and we see this kind of divide everywhere now.” Bergroth, who grew up in a place known as “the skinhead capital of Finland,” ponders the complexities of choosing sides in a divided society. ”I started to wonder how I even managed to choose a side. But if I was in Europe in the 1930s, knowing what people knew then, which side would I be on?”
Matilda’s dilemma
The film’s protagonist, Matilda, faces a profound internal conflict as she contemplates revenge. “When there’s a threat, it’s all too easy to answer violence with violence. So what is she going to do?” Huttu teases, while Bergroth draws inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock, a significant influence on her filmmaking journey. “Alfred Hitchcock was so important to me when I first got into filmmaking. I can’t believe I finally get to play with all that. It’s a new kind of challenge and one that feels really important,” she observes.
A universal resonance
Bergroth believes that the story of The Wednesday Club will resonate with audiences worldwide. “I think [this story] will resonate with others because all these nationalistic forces have been rearing their heads all over the world. It’s local, but it’s definitely universal.”
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Wednesday Club.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of The Wednesday Club, blending historical context with modern relevance, and offering personal reflections and insights for cinema enthusiasts.