This story is based on actual events. Only the names, locations, and some events have been changed. In the movie Pernilla August plays madam Dagmar Glans, in real life her name was Doris Hopp. Claes Ljungmark plays the minister of justice, in real life Lennart Geijer. David Dencik plays Aspen Thorin, in real life information officer Ebbe Carlsson. Magnus Krepper plays the prime minister, based on real life Olof Palme. Claes-Göran Turesson plays the chief of police, based on real life Carl Persson.
This film caused a massive controversy in Sweden due to the film alluding to that Olof Palme bought sex from underage prostitutes. Palme's son sued the filmmakers on the grounds of defamation but lost - however the filmmakers later agreed to re-cut the scene, which since is much shorter and de-identified on all media (theaters, home video and TV).
The TV talk show "Kvällsöppet" that appears during the opening credits and towards the end is based on a 1977 broadcast of the real talk show of the same name. It featured Sweden's then leader of the Opposition Olof Palme - who was the prime minister in 1976 when the film takes place - and American actress Shirley MacLaine.
Josefin Asplund originally auditioned for the part as Iris, but then the film was shelved for two years.