"Popular problems" is about how difficult it can be to continue having a relationship after breaking up - because you have children together. Sissela Benn and Jonatan Unge have that experience themselves, since they were previously a couple and have children together.
Same theme
In the radio series "Shards of a marriage", they previously played a couple who ended up on the therapist's couch. But according to director Ernst De Geer (who previously directed the Guldbagge-winning feature film "Hypnosis"), the new series is not a direct continuation of the radio series.
It's another take on it simply. But it's the same theme, it deals with similar questions. They play two characters who have similar experiences of what they themselves have gone through in reality, he says.
It sounds like it can become a high recognition factor?
Absolutely, really. The series takes up all the problems that arise when separating, and it's clear that there is a large identification factor around family and love.
Benn and Unge have written the script, together with Isabella Rodriguez and Andreas Nygård. De Geer was asked to direct by Benn, whom he knows from before.
I like Sissela and Jonatan, I think they're very funny. And I thought it sounded like a fun project, so I jumped on.
I was trying to write my next film when I got the question. And since I didn't write the script for the series myself, it became a kind of input from the outside that I felt I needed.
New experience
Directing humor is, however, a new experience for Ernst De Geer.
My technique is to try to do it seriously and Jonatan and Sissela have to stand for the funny!
"Popular problems" will be broadcast on SVT in six episodes in 2026.
Age: 35 years.
Does: Director.
Background: Educated at Biskops-Arnö and the Norwegian Film School in Lillehammer. Has made two Norwegian TV series and the Guldbagge-winning Swedish drama comedy "Hypnosis". Is the son of artists Marianne Lindberg De Geer and Carl Johan De Geer.
