Get ready for a thrilling dive into the complexities of family life, Scandinavian style. APC (About Premium Content), based in Paris, has recently secured world sales rights for “A Good Family,” a captivating six-part Finnish thriller. Currently being filmed in Estonia before moving to Finland, this high-end drama promises to explore the intricate themes of love, marriage, and parenthood in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Based on the 2019 novel “The Dark Light” (“Musta Valo”) by acclaimed Finnish author and screenwriter Petri Karra, “A Good Family” is brought to life by a stellar creative team. Creator and producer Minna Virtanen, along with creator and writer Antti Pesonen, and director Pete Riski, the talent behind the award-winning crime show “Bullets,” are at the helm. “Bullets” previously garnered the MIPDrama Buyers’ Coup de Coeur award in 2018 and premiered on Walter Presents in the U.K., setting high expectations for this new venture.
Minna Virtanen Credit: Vertigo
Minna Virtanen, the driving force behind the series, revealed that the collaboration with Petri Karra on the TV show concept began even before his novel saw the light of day. The screenplay by Antti Pesonen was further refined by experienced script editors Matti Laine (“The Paradise”) and Charlotte Lesche (“The Lawyer,” “Thicker Than Water”), ensuring a polished and compelling narrative. This meticulous development process highlights the dedication to crafting a truly exceptional series that will resonate with audiences seeking a sophisticated and suspenseful family drama.
The cast of “A Good Family” boasts seasoned talent, with Maria Sid (“All the Sins,” “Before We Die”) and Samuli Edelmann (“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” “Look of a Killer”) leading the charge. They portray Anna, a police officer, and her husband Henrick, a novelist and literature professor. Their seemingly normal lives take a dangerous turn when their son unwittingly brings a heinous crime to their doorstep, plunging them into a perilous underworld. Adding to the dramatic tension is Tommi Korpela (“Deadwind,” The Spiral”), who embodies Lefa, a crime boss who is also a devoted father, further blurring the lines of morality within the series.
Virtanen encapsulates the essence of the series, stating, “Many good stories are rooted in strong moral dilemmas and so is ‘A Good Family.’ The series is a fresh take on Scandinavian crime drama and a distinctive twist on a familiar format, with the storyline of two parents crossing the line to save their son.” This premise suggests a narrative rich in suspense and ethical quandaries, making “A Good Family” a potentially captivating watch for those who appreciate complex characters and intricate plots within a family-centric storyline.
A camera lens with iconic Los Angeles imagery in the reflection of the glass
Produced by Virtanen’s Vertigo for Finnish commercial channel and streaming service C More/MTV3, with backing from Finnish and Estonian tax incentives, “A Good Family” is slated for premiere in Fall 2022. This collaboration and support structure underscore the ambitious nature of the project and its anticipated appeal to a broad audience.
“A Good Family” joins APC’s growing portfolio of acclaimed Finnish dramas picked up for global distribution, including the psycho-thriller “Man in Room 301,” Cold War drama “Shadow Lines,” and the crime series “Deadwind,” indicating APC’s confidence in the quality and international appeal of Finnish television productions. As part of APC’s MIPCOM lineup, alongside other notable series like the Italian family drama “Ever After” and the Belgian political thriller “Pandore,” “A Good Family” is positioned to capture the attention of global audiences seeking a compelling and well-crafted family tv series with a thrilling edge.
