Jordskott (2015) – A Supernatural Swedish Thriller about Disappearances and Hidden Forces
Released in 2015, Jordskott is a Swedish supernatural thriller that blends elements of Nordic Noir with Scandinavian mythology, creating a mysterious and engaging narrative.
Created by Henrik Björn, the production was aired by SVT1 in Sweden and later reached an international audience, being broadcast in the United Kingdom, United States, and other countries.
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With ten episodes in the first season and eight in the second, Jordskott sets itself apart from traditional Swedish police series by adding a strong dose of folklore, psychological horror, and supernatural mystery.
The plot revolves around mysterious disappearances linked to hidden forces in the forest, addressing themes such as grief, motherhood, and the conflict between humanity and nature.
If you're a fan of shows like The Killing, Dark, or Fortitude, Jordskott could be an excellent choice to dive into a dark and intriguing narrative.
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Synopsis: Disappearances and Supernatural Mysteries
The story follows Eva Thörnblad (Moa Gammel), a detective who returns to her hometown, Silverhöjd, seven years after the disappearance of her daughter, Josefine. Although she believed the girl drowned, the body was never found, and Eva never overcame her loss.
Now, upon returning to settle her deceased father's estate, Eva discovers that another child has gone missing in the same area, raising suspicions that the cases may be connected.
As she investigates the events, Eva begins to realize that the town harbors deep and disturbing secrets. The forest around Silverhöjd seems to hide mystical forces and ancient entities, and soon Eva finds herself embroiled in a conspiracy that challenges logic and reality.
From this point on, Jordskott dives into a journey where the real and the supernatural intertwine, revealing a chilling truth about the disappearances.
Cast and Characters
Eva Thörnblad (Moa Gammel)
The series' protagonist, Eva is a determined police officer, marked by the trauma of her daughter's disappearance. Throughout the story, she struggles to balance her skepticism and her growing belief in the inexplicable as she uncovers the truth about Silverhöjd.
Göran Wass (Göran Ragnerstam)
A Rikskriminalen special forces agent, Göran arrives in town to investigate the disappearances. He seems to know more than he reveals, and gradually, his involvement with the region's hidden forces becomes evident.
Tom Aronsson (Richard Forsgren)
A local detective, initially skeptical and distrustful of Eva, Tom gradually realizes that something strange is happening in the town and begins to assist her.
Josefine Thörnblad (Stina Sundlöf)
Eva's daughter, whose disappearance was the starting point for the story. As new clues emerge, Eva finds herself facing a much larger mystery than she could ever imagine.
Yggren (Ville Virtanen)
An enigmatic figure, Yggren represents the supernatural forces that guard the forest. His role in the story is crucial for understanding the strange events occurring in Silverhöjd.
The Supernatural Element and the Influence of Nordic Folklore
Unlike traditional Nordic police series, Jordskott incorporates supernatural elements inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Some of the main influences include:
- The Skogsrå: Forest spirits that protect nature and punish those who exploit it.
- The Jordskott: A type of symbiotic entity that grows inside people and connects them to the forest.
- Pagan Rituals: The series makes references to ancient Nordic beliefs about sacrifices and the balance between man and nature.
This aspect of the series adds a psychological horror atmosphere, creating a universe where nature is not just a setting, but a living and conscious entity.
Main Themes
1. Grief and the Search for Truth
Josefine's disappearance represents the emotional weight of grief and Eva's obsession with finding answers. The series explores the idea of how far someone will go to recover what they've lost.
2. The Conflict between Humanity and Nature
Silverhöjd is a place where the forest and the town coexist, but unchecked exploitation threatens that balance. The series addresses the impact of human intervention on the environment and the consequences of ignoring the forces of nature.
3. The Line between the Real and the Supernatural
As the story progresses, Eva must contend with events that challenge logic. The series plays with the idea of fragmented reality and altered perception, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is illusion.
Visual Style and Atmosphere
The cinematography of Jordskott is one of its greatest assets. The series employs:
- Dark and oppressive photography, emphasizing the cold colors and green tones of the forest.
- Minimalist soundtrack, with subtle sounds that enhance the feeling of suspense.
- Slow and contemplative pacing, allowing tension to build gradually.
These elements create a melancholic and mysterious atmosphere, making the experience even more immersive.
Reception of the Series
The series was well-received both in Sweden and internationally.
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Jordskott maintains a positive rating, with praise for its engaging narrative and unique setting.
- Critics from The Guardian highlighted how the series blends police mystery with fantasy, creating a unique tone.
- The New York Times compared Jordskott to The Killing, but with a supernatural twist that adds a new dimension to the story.
Despite its success, some criticisms note that the slow pace may deter viewers used to more direct thrillers.
Second Season and Continuation of the Story
Due to positive reception, Jordskott was renewed for a second season in 2017, with eight episodes. The continuation expands the series' mythology and deepens the mysteries of the forest, also introducing new disappearances and conspiracies.
There is still no official confirmation about a third season, but the series remains one of the most popular in the supernatural suspense genre.
Is It Worth Watching Jordskott?
If you enjoy psychological suspense, mythology, and mystery, Jordskott is a fantastic recommendation.
✅ Engaging plot filled with mysteries
✅ Great setting and cinematography
✅ Unique blend of Nordic Noir and Scandinavian folklore
⚠️ The pace may be slow for those who prefer faster thrillers
⚠️ Some questions remain unanswered
With an innovative approach and complex characters, the series stands out as one of the best in contemporary Nordic suspense.
Conclusion
Jordskott is a gripping and chilling psychological thriller, which defies logic as it explores themes like grief, nature, and folklore.
If you're looking for a series that is intelligent, atmospheric, and full of twists, this Swedish production is a must-watch.
Watch the trailer for "Jordskott"
In Brazil, "Jordskott" is not available for streaming. However, you can find the series on Amazon Prime Video, depending on the region.
