The Danish thriller series "The Chestnut Man", based on Søren Sveistrup's novel, became a viewership hit on Netflix in 2021. Now comes the standalone sequel "Hide and Seek", premiering on May 7.
It is a crime series in which a victim is murdered after a long period of stalking. The police soon realize that the crime may be connected to an old case. In the series, the suspected killer uses advanced digital technology to map and stalk his victim.
"Stalking is a very specific thing. You can pursue someone and be on the verge of what is illegal, but you can do it in a way that prevents that person from being able to report you," says Milad Alami.
Social criticism?
You can read social criticism in "Hide and Seek" about how much we hand over our lives to big tech companies, which allows hackers and criminals to get hold of important pieces of our lives.
The series may not have such a social critique, but I definitely think it reminds you of how connected our lives are and how dependent we are on being so - and also what we thereby expose ourselves to.
"Hide and Seek" is a standalone sequel to "The Chestnut Man" and police officers Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) and Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) also investigate this case.
Since last season, the characters have become a couple - and have broken up. The breakup between them is not completely resolved.
Since the last series, something has happened between them that has nevertheless created a closeness that has also made them both a little afraid and a little disappointed in each other. For them as characters, it is also about them getting closer to each other again, explains Milad Alami.
New Swedish film?
His latest Swedish film, the drama "The Opponent", became Sweden's Oscar entry in 2023. In recent years, Milad Alami has also made the TV series "Bullshit" in addition to "Hide and Seek". Both were made in Denmark, where he was also educated.
But Milad Alami lives in Malmö and hopes to soon be able to film in Sweden again. He has a film idea that he is trying to get financed here.
Since I've been based near Denmark, I've done a lot of things there. But I also see myself as a Swedish filmmaker. I think I have a closeness to Swedish society and recognize it much more.
So I hope I get to do more things in Sweden. But that feature film will probably only come out in two years.
Facts: Milad Alami
Born in 1982 in Tehran, but came to Sweden at the age of four and grew up in Boden. He is educated at the Danish Film School.
In 2017, he made his directorial debut with the Danish film “The Charmer.” “The Opponent” from 2023 was Sweden’s Oscar entry and received seven Guldbag nominations. Marall Nasiri won the award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
Milad Alami has also made the television series "Bullshit" starring Alba August, which has been broadcast on Prime Video and Viaplay in Sweden.
