“Trouble” on Netflix: A Quirky Swedish Action-Comedy Thriller
The 2024 Swedish film Trouble, directed by Jon Holmberg and co-written with Tapio Leopold, offers a delightful blend of comedy, action, and suspense. Now streaming on Netflix, the film is a modern remake of the 1988 cult classic Strul, giving the original story a fresh twist. With Filip Berg leading the cast as an unlucky electronics store worker, Trouble provides plenty of laughs and heart-racing moments, set against the urban backdrop of Stockholm.
Plot Overview
Conny, played by Filip Berg, is going through the worst time of his life. He’s divorced, stuck in a dead-end job, and overshadowed by his ex-wife’s new, accomplished pilot husband. Things take a turn for the worse when a routine TV installation leads to him witnessing a murder. Wrongly accused of the crime, Conny finds himself behind bars, trying to survive prison life while plotting a way to prove his innocence.
In prison, he meets Norinder and Musse, two seasoned criminals with an escape plan. What follows is a chaotic series of events involving corrupt law enforcement, dangerous criminals, and Conny’s desperate attempt to clear his name.
Cast and Characters
Filip Berg (Bäckström) as Conny – The unlucky protagonist trying to fix his life while dodging disaster at every turn.
Amy Deasismont (Thunder in My Heart) as Diana – A rookie detective determined to uncover the truth.
Eva Melander (Border) as Helena – A high-ranking detective trying to stay ahead of the game.
Måns Nathanaelson (Beck) as Hasse – Conny’s loyal but often bumbling lawyer.
Dejan Čukić (All In) as Norinder – A seasoned criminal with escape plans.
Joakim Sällquist (Goliath) as Musse – Norinder’s partner-in-crime.
Sissela Benn (Sune vs. Sune) as Mimmi – Conny’s quirky ally.
Magnus Sundberg (The Unthinkable) as Jorma – Helena’s law enforcement partner.
Shirin Golchin (The Sandhamn Murders) as Ayla – Conny’s ex-wife.
Peter Gardiner (Top Dog) as Josef – The police chief entangled in the chaos.
Emil Brulin (Sommartider) as Tomas – Ayla’s new husband.
Isabelle Aronsson as Julia – Conny’s daughter, who provides emotional motivation for his journey.
A Quirky Blend of Comedy and Thriller
Trouble successfully balances comedy with tension, creating a humorous yet engaging narrative. Filip Berg’s portrayal of Conny feels like a playful nod to the character in The Fugitive (1993), blending awkwardness with unexpected heroism. Though the humor is occasionally silly, it never feels forced, adding charm to the film’s fast-paced narrative.
Set and shot in Stockholm, the film captures both the gritty urban life and the quirky charm of the city. The contrast between prison sequences and Conny’s everyday life helps build tension while maintaining the comedic tone.
As a remake of Strul (1988), Trouble stays true to the original’s spirit but introduces new plot twists and more dynamic action sequences. The film updates the humor to resonate with modern audiences, making it accessible to both fans of the original and new viewers.
With its blend of action, comedy, and suspense, Trouble stands out as a thoroughly entertaining watch. Whether you're drawn by its fast-paced plot, quirky humor, or nostalgic nods to the original Strul, the film delivers an enjoyable mix of chaos and fun. Filip Berg’s standout performance, along with the well-rounded supporting cast, ensures that Trouble is a must-watch for fans of offbeat comedies and light-hearted thrillers.