Top Scandinavian Thrillers to Watch After 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'

Have you recently enjoyed 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'?

Then here are some high-quality thriller movies from Scandinavia that you'll love. These films combine suspense, intelligence, and unique storytelling, much like the Swedish original that inspired them.

Headhunters (2011)

Headhunters, directed by Nikolaj Arcel and based on the novel by Jo Nesb?, is a relentless and darkly humorous thriller. The film follows Aksel Hennie, a corporate recruiter with a secret side hustle as a night-time art thief, as he is pursued by a Dutch businessman. Director Nikolaj Arcel masterfully weaves suspense with high-octane action, creating a film that is as brutal as it is entertaining.

Keywords: Dark humor, corporate thriller, Norwegian cinema.

Sorry to Bother You (2018)

Sorry to Bother You, directed by Boots Riley, is an absurdist film that explores themes of capitalism and greed. Set in an alternate reality, the plot follows Lakeith Stanfield as a guy named Cassius who finds a shortcut to success by using a “white voice.” While the movie is a biting social commentary, it is also highly entertaining, much like a Black Mirror episode stretched into a feature-length film.

Keywords: Social commentary, absurdist comedy, anti-capitalism.

The Visitor (2007)

The Visitor, directed by Thomas McCarthy, is a low-budget, intimate thriller with powerful performances. In this film, Richard Jenkins plays a professor who returns to find two immigrants living in his New York apartment. The movie manages to speak volumes about cultural misconceptions through a minimalist plot, making it a subtle yet potent work.

Keywords: Cultural misunderstandings, performance, minimalist thriller.

Why These Films?

After 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' these films offer a similar blend of intelligence, intrigue, and brutal honesty. 'Headhunters' is particularly known for its dark humor and relentless pace, while 'The Visitor' is a more subdued, introspective thriller. Meanwhile, 'Sorry to Bother You' offers a unique take on social commentary wrapped in an entertaining package.

These Scandinavian thrillers, much like 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' are known for their complex narratives, authentic performances, and attention to detail. They are not just thrillers, but thoughtful explorations of societal themes that challenge viewers to think critically.

If you want to dive deeper into the subtleties and complexities of Scandinavian cinema, these films are a great place to start.