Jägarna, the Swedish crime series based on the cult 1996 film, returns with a dark, atmospheric charm and a gripping sense of storytelling. Set in the remote north of Sweden, the show follows retired detective Erik Bäckström, played with great strength by Rolf Lassgård, who returns home only to get caught up in a local mystery involving harassment, vandalism, and eventually murder.
The pace is steady, reflecting the calm of the Norrland setting, but the story never drags. From the first episode, it pulls you in with solid writing, clear direction, and a raw visual style. The cold, moody cinematography adds to the tense feeling throughout, even if the plot doesn't always surprise.
Lassgård is brilliant in the lead role - he gives Erik a believable mix of authority and sadness. He's the type of character you trust, even if he doesn't always follow the rules. Supporting performances from Pelle Heikkilä as a shady businessman, Johan Marenius Nordahl as a young trainee, and Johannes Kuhnke as an unstable officer are good too and help round out a mostly well-cast series. One downside is the lack of female presence; the women in the show - though played by talented actresses - are mostly side characters like mothers or girlfriends, and none take centre stage.
Series one is gripping, although a bit frustrating at times due to some odd decisions made by the characters. Series two, unfortunately, drops in quality: some scenes take you out of the story completely and many of the characters become hard to like. Still, there's something compelling about Erik's quiet determination that keeps you watching.
In the end, Jägarna may not be like many modern thrillers (particularly Scandinavian ones), but it is a return to classic storytelling - slow-burning, emotional, and rough around the edges. Despite a weaker second season, the Series remains likely a thoughtful and enjoyable watch for fans of Nordic Noir and Lassgård.
