Shivangi Sinha
A compelling psychological thriller often makes for riveting cinematic experiences, captivating audiences with its intricate plot twists and the exploration of complex human emotions. Netflix’s limited series ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ stands as a shining example of this genre, exceeding expectations with its gripping narrative. The story unfolds with 19-year-old Stella Sandell accused of the murder of Christoffer “Chris” Olsen, a man in his 30s. Hailing from an affluent family, Stella’s parents, Adam, a pastor in the Church of Sweden, and Ulrika, a renowned criminal defense lawyer, rush to her aid in the city of Lund.
Directed by Per Hanefjord, the series delves into the family dynamics, legal intricacies, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Chris’ murder, creating an atmospheric and suspenseful tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As the storyline weaves through a criminal backdrop, one can’t help but wonder about the possible true story that inspired the creation of the show’s narrative.
Exploring the Inspiration Behind A Nearly Normal Family
While the series ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ might feel like an authentic depiction of events, it is not based on a true story. The skilled writers Anna Platt and Hans Jörnlind crafted the screenplay by drawing inspiration from the 2019 book by Swedish author M. T. Edvardsson, which shares the same title. The novel received widespread acclaim as a psychological thriller, earning its place as a literary gem. The success of Edvardsson’s work laid the foundation for the creation of this exceptional TV series, showcasing the powerful impact literature can have in different realms of storytelling.
During an interview, Edvardsson shared the intriguing genesis of his work, revealing that the spark for the story ignited during a solitary night of contemplation. The writer recounted how the initial idea materialized as he lay in bed, pondering the hypothetical trajectory of individuals as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and inevitably find themselves entangled in trouble. The author’s curiosity was piqued by the question of how one would react when faced with adversity after growing up.
“I have two daughters, who are three and six years old, and I started to think about 10 years or so, when my daughters will be out with friends, downtown, and so on. I think every parent can relate to that fear of not knowing when your child is coming home. Then, I imagined my future teen daughter coming home way past midnight and me having the feeling that something is wrong,” Edvardsson said about the genesis of his novel. “If my daughter was brought in by the police the next morning, accused of murdering a man, what would I say? How would I react? How far would I go in stretching the truth to protect my daughter?” he added.
He added that his experience as a high school teacher definitely helped him integrate authenticity into the characters, especially Stella. He said, “I don’t think I ever could have written this book if it wasn’t for the fact that I have been a high school teacher for 15 years. I know how 18-year-old girls interact — I know their world, and I also know that parents and teenagers do not always share everything with each other. In some extreme cases, it seems they really don’t know each other very well. That is one thing I wanted to take a closer look at in this novel: How well do we really know our teenagers?”
The stellar performances of the cast, led by Björn Bengtsson, Lo Kauppi, and Alexandra Karlsson Tyrefors, are the driving force that elevates ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ to the status of an authentic and captivating story. The actors skillfully inhabit their roles, infusing authenticity into the characters and making their emotional journeys resonate with viewers. The camerawork further enhances the series, effectively contributing to the creation of suspense and adding an alluring visual dimension. Every instrument of filmmaking, from acting to cinematography, has been deftly employed, resulting in a successful and well-crafted limited series.
In conclusion, while ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ may not be directly inspired by true events, its masterful execution and attention to detail create a believability that transcends fiction. Themes of deception, family dynamics, and the search for truth are expertly woven into the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the hands of talented creators, captivating viewers with its powerful story and resonant themes.
Read More: Best Mystery TV Shows
