Josephine Park Headlines TV2’s New Nordic Noir Series
Actress Josephine Park, known for her roles in The Oxe and Baby Fever, will lead TV2’s Danish crime drama Side Effects (Fristelsen), a gripping series exploring the deadly consequences of synthetic opioid trafficking.
Park takes on the role of Nora Søby, chief investigator of Denmark’s top crime unit. Her team is drawn into a high-stakes investigation after a dockland security guard is murdered and a shipment of lethal pills goes missing. The series follows their race against time to track the drugs as they reach the streets, wreaking havoc on unsuspecting users.
A Realistic Take on Drug Crime
Sara Askelöf, senior executive producer at TV2, described the series as a reflection of pressing societal issues:
“Side Effects is a crime series rooted in a reality we can no longer ignore. It addresses drug-related crime and addiction as an urgent societal issue. Side Effects combines a realistic investigation with strong personal stakes, engaging viewers through suspense and relevance.”
The show promises a blend of Nordic Noir suspense and meaningful commentary on the impact of synthetic drugs in Denmark.
Production Team and Creative Vision
The series is produced by Miso Film with support from the Danish Film Institute’s Public Service Pool. Jonas Allen and Peter Bose serve as producers, while Lasse Kyed Rasmussen, who previously worked on Those Who Kill, is attached as writer. Jonas Alexander Arnby, director of The Uniform, will helm the series.
Miso Film’s parent company, Fremantle, holds international sales rights, paving the way for the show to reach a global audience. Filming is scheduled to begin in the spring, bringing this high-stakes crime story to life with Nordic Noir’s signature tension and realism.
Nordic Noir With Social Impact
According to Jonas Allen, CEO of Miso Film:
“Side Effects is a high-end Nordic Noir crime thriller depicting the national special crime unit’s tireless investigation into organized drug crime. The series uncovers the massive societal impact of drugs, making it both realistic and highly relevant while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.”
The series aims to go beyond traditional crime storytelling, combining intense investigation sequences with the human cost of drug abuse, making the drama as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful.
Miso Film’s Growing Presence
This is the latest in a string of high-profile projects from Miso Film, following early looks at The Uniform, a drama about a fatal police shooting and its aftermath. Both projects showcase the studio’s growing expertise in Nordic Noir storytelling and tackling socially relevant themes with cinematic flair.
The announcement of Side Effects coincides with the Göteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision event, which gathers key Nordic television producers and buyers. The festival highlights the region’s rising prominence in the global TV market, and Side Effects is one of the most talked-about projects in the lineup.
What Viewers Can Expect
- Gripping Crime Narrative: A murder and opioid smuggling case that drives the story.
- High-Stakes Investigations: Nora Søby leads a top crime unit racing against time.
- Nordic Noir Aesthetic: Dark, atmospheric, and suspenseful storytelling.
- Social Relevance: A realistic portrayal of the opioid crisis and its impact on society.
- Strong Performances: Josephine Park at the forefront, supported by a talented ensemble cast.
International Potential
With Fremantle managing international sales, Side Effects is expected to reach audiences well beyond Denmark. The series taps into global interest in Nordic Noir while addressing timely issues like synthetic drugs and crime, offering both suspense and social commentary.
Side Effects promises to be one of TV2’s most ambitious series, combining the gripping tension of Nordic Noir with a socially relevant narrative about the opioid crisis. With Josephine Park leading the charge and a strong creative team behind it, the series is set to capture both domestic and international attention when it premieres.
