The Unlikely Murderer

The Unlikely Murderer is a compelling thriller series released in 2021 on the global streaming giant Netflix. It is based on an award-winning book by Thomas Pettersson that follows the speculative tale of a man allegedly involved in one of Sweden's most notorious and unresolved mysteries—a case that still haunts the nation's collective conscience. Suffused with suspense and crafted with meticulous precision, the series utilizes the genre's conventions to subtly explore broader themes like culpability, obsession, and the devastating ripple effects of violence on society.

This unique television series creatively interprets the unresolved murder of Sweden's Prime Minister Olof Palme, who was gunned down while walking home from a movie theater with his wife in 1986. The brutally fatal shooting abruptly ended the progressive policies he championed and forever altered Swedish society's peaceful image. It remains an unsolved case decades later, shrouded in conspiracy theories and speculation.

The Unlikely Murderer introduces us to the character of Stig Engström, portrayed by Robert Gustafsson, an ordinary, somewhat peculiar man who unexpectedly finds himself caught in the web of this infamous unsolved crime. Engström, a graphic designer for an insurance company, gets wound up in the murder investigation when he states that he witnessed the crime. His character is intriguing, with an ordinary life that is anything but, creating a riveting persona that fuels the series's intrigue.

Engström takes center stage in the narrative, which expands beyond the immediate aftermath of the murder to offer a sweeping examination of the broader societal reaction. The incongruity between Engström's seemingly everyday character and his alleged involvement in such a violent, high-profile event is indeed the crux of The Unlikely Murderer, and the show masterfully maintains this tension throughout its five episodes.

The crime thriller dives deep into the complexities of Engström's character, creating an incredibly multi-faceted and mysterious character profile that questions his motives and sanity. While Gustafsson's riveting portrayal invites empathy, it also nudges viewers into the unsettling realm of doubt and suspicions, making for an exceptionally gripping watch.

Peppered with flashbacks and distorted memories, the narrative structure adds another layer to the already complex plot. This storytelling device simultaneously keeps the tension palpable and abstracts the series's realism in a way that feels appropriate to the nebulous, unconfirmed nature of the real-life case.

Screenwriters Wilhelm Behrman and Niklas Rockström employ an immersive narrative style, which, coupled with the remarkable performances of the cast, results in a chilling and profound exploration of a society still grappling with an enormous tragedy. The handheld camera work is quite effective, creating an intimate, raw, and very human depiction of drama. The Unlikely Murderer explores the inner workings of one man's mind and grants viewers insight into the profound effects this heinous crime had on Swedish society as a whole.

The production details are crucial in establishing the mid-80s era authenticity, from the design elements to wardrobe choices. Even the smallest details are chosen with precision to recreate the period's look and feel. This commitment to authenticity extends to the dialogue and characterization, which is fully sprinkled with the social, cultural, and political nuances of the time, making the series feel more alive, relatable, and true-hearted.

The Unlikely Murderer bravely tiptoes on the thin line between truth and fiction, offering a speculative narrative about a real-world event that continues to confound and fascinate decades later. Its bold storytelling approach, murky moral landscape, and mesmerizing lead performance make it a standout addition to the true crime genre.

In conclusion, the series serves as a provocative and insightful exploration into not just the crime itself but also its enduring impact on a nation and an individual. With each episode, The Unlikely Murderer weaves a narrative that is as haunting as it is engaging, making it a must-watch for not just true crime fans, but for anyone intrigued by the complex layers of human nature and the collective memory of society.