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Fifth Season and TV4 unleash thrilling trailer for ‘Cry Wolf’ with Eliot Sumner
A new wave of Nordic Noir
In an exciting development, Fifth Season and TV4 have lifted the curtain on their upcoming thriller, “Cry Wolf”. Starring the multifaceted Eliot Sumner alongside acclaimed actors Eva Melander and Henrik Dorsin, this series promises to inject new life into the Nordic Noir genre. An adaptation of Hans Rosenfeldt’s first solo novel, “Cry Wolf” is set to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline and intense performances.
Storyline and setting
Set against the stunning yet eerie backdrop of Haparanda, a remote northern Swedish town, “Cry Wolf” dives head-first into a chilling narrative. The plot follows police investigator Hanna Wester, who stumbles upon a macabre scene—a dead wolf’s stomach containing human remains. This gruesome discovery soon ties back to a violent drug deal across the Finnish border, escalating tensions in the usually serene town. Add a professional killer into the mix, hunting for three valuable bags, and you’ve got a recipe for a thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Technical brilliance and genre innovation
“Cry Wolf” isn’t merely another addition to the Nordic Noir lineup; it brings a refreshing twist to the genre. Prentiss Fraser, president of TV distribution at Fifth Season, highlights the series’ unique approach: “Filmed in a small town at the Swedish-Finnish border, the show thrives on its character-driven storytelling. Think Fargo, but with its darkly comedic undertones morphing into twists of fate that are pure Nordic Noir.”
The adaptation is helmed by the exceptional Oskar Söderlund, known for his work on “Snabba Cash” and “The Dark Heart”. His involvement assures viewers that “Cry Wolf” will be an addictive, binge-worthy experience.
Behind-the-scenes insights
The journey to bring “Cry Wolf” to life was fueled by the high ambitions of Josefine Tenglad, Sandra Harms, and Line Winther Skyum Funch, the trio behind Nordic Drama Queens. Inspired by influential works like “No Country for Old Men,” they meticulously maintained a consistent tone throughout all six episodes, thanks to the visionary direction of Jesper Ganslandt.
This series stands as the first fully completed project by Nordic Drama Queens in partnership with TV4, ZDF, Swedish tax incentives, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, Filmpool Nord, and—importantly—Fifth Season, formerly known as Endeavour Content.
Talented casting choices
A critical element in the success of “Cry Wolf” lies in its casting, particularly the selection of Eliot Sumner. The search for the perfect actor to play Kat spanned across the Nordics until casting director Pauline Hansson and Eija Skarsgård presented Eliot’s profile. The decision was a serendipitous meeting of talent and opportunity, enhanced by Sumner’s familiarity with Sweden and admiration for Ganslandt’s work.
Financial support and creative freedom
One of the driving forces behind the success of Nordic Drama Queens is the financial backing of Fifth Season. This support has accelerated the greenlighting process for their ambitious projects. Line Winther, previously an executive producer at Yellow Bird, emphasizes, “Their belief in us allows us to take risks and move quickly from concept to production.”
A bright future for Nordic Drama Queens
The collaboration between Fifth Season and Nordic Drama Queens isn’t limited to “Cry Wolf.” Fraser of Fifth Season acknowledges the synergy, “Our recent commissions with Nordic Drama Queens reaffirm the value they bring. Their projects, crafted with compelling storytelling and premium viewing experiences, are a perfect fit for our slate.”
Upcoming projects to watch
As “Cry Wolf” gears up for its world premiere at the Stockholm Film Festival, followed by a launch on TV4 Play on December 25th, fans can also look forward to other promising projects. Two additional series near completion, based on celebrated IPs, are set to captivate audiences.
The Amazon MGM Studios co-production, “Blind Spot,” based on Anne Holt’s “1222,” is a four-part series that reimagines the classic whodunnit within the isolated, treacherous setting of a Norwegian ski resort. This project, visually enriched by the mountainous landscape, is expected to premiere on Prime Amazon in the Nordics in 2025.
Another highly anticipated series, “The Scarab Flies at Dusk” is a family-friendly adaptation of Maria Gripe’s Swedish literary classic. Co-produced with Norway’s Monster, it boasts an A-list ensemble and reflects Nordic Drama Queens’ commitment to diverse storytelling.
Expanding horizons
In their quest to innovate, Nordic Drama Queens is also contemplating delving into feature films. With international projects in the pipeline, partly shot in English, the trio is eager to seize new opportunities. “Things are happening; there are new opportunities and we want to grab them when they come,” Tenglad mentions.
Stay tuned as Nordic Drama Queens continues to redefine Nordic Noir and beyond. Follow us for more updates on their groundbreaking projects and immerse yourself in the latest from the world of television and film.
