Viaplay announces “There’s Something Going On” as its next original film

Viaplay announced that the latest feature film in its ongoing investment in Nordic storytelling is “There’s Something Going On,” an ambitious Swedish drama that explores universal themes of love, angst and the search for oneself. The main character, Petra, is portrayed at two turning points in her life by Alexandra Rapaport and Ella Hammarsten Liedberg, alongside an all-star supporting cast. The show is based on bestselling novels by Martina Haag, and will premiere exclusively on Viaplay in 2023.

The film weaves Petra’s story from two emotionally charged threads – the protagonist as a contemporary 50-year-old struggling through a divorce, and as a 15-year-old in the 1980s nearing the end of school while facing up to her own parents’ disintegrating relationship. “The original books have been appreciated by readers and I hope the film will be equally well-received. It’s a story of grief and darkness, but there’s also humour and the joy of rediscovering oneself,”  Martina Haag commented.

“Our next major film project will strike a chord with audiences in Sweden, the Nordic region and internationally – in fact, with everyone who’s ever loved or been loved. We’ve brought together a world-class team to tell this instantly recognizable story through an unusual narrative structure. Viaplay continues to set ourselves apart with our investment in unique streaming experiences,”  said Filippa Wallestam, Chief Content Officer at Viaplay Group.

●  VIAPLAY’S NEXT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY FILM

Meanwhile, Viaplay also announced that its next original documentary film is “It Could Have Been Us,” a journey back to a dark time in Swedish history. Presented by Emma Örtlund and Ida Johansson, “It Could Have Been Us” relates the experiences of people with disabilities who were confined to institutions across the country from the start of the 20th century. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Björn Tjärnberg and will also premiere exclusively on Viaplay in 2023.

Together with Pär Johansson, founder of the renowned Swedish theatre group Glada Hudik, Emma and Ida meet relatives of those affected, along with expert researchers. They share the true story of Olle, a young man who wrote moving letters to his mother from Lund’s Vipeholm facility – and cast unsettling light on events that to this day remain largely unknown to a broad audience.

“This deeply affecting film shows the human consequences of an inhumane worldview, and how its scars remain in our societies today. At the same time, it offers glimpses of hope and joy. We’re proud that Viaplay’s viewers can once again spend time with the very charismatic Emma, Ida and friends, and gain many thought-provoking insights along the way,”  Wallestam remarked.