Nana
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by youth-centric narratives, the upcoming Swedish-Croatian co-production True Love (working title) promises to shift the spotlight toward the complexities of middle age. The project, which has already generated significant buzz ahead of its pitch at the Haugesund Nordic Co-Production Market, pairs Game of Thrones breakout star Kristofer Hivju with acclaimed Swedish actress Frida Hallgren in a high-stakes romantic comedy that explores the intersection of sudden fortune and emotional baggage.
Main Facts: A Star-Studded Nordic Collaboration
The project, spearheaded by the powerhouse SF Studios, marks the second directorial outing for Martina Haag, an actor-turned-filmmaker whose creative vision has quickly become a staple of Scandinavian cinema. True Love is currently in the pre-production phase, with filming scheduled to commence on October 8.
The film’s premise centers on Ellinor (Hallgren), a woman navigating the wreckage of a 20-year marriage that ends in a sudden, painful divorce. Her life is upended a second time when she wins a staggering €40 million ($46 million) lottery. However, the newfound wealth acts as a barrier to trust, leaving her isolated until she encounters Henrik (Hivju). Henrik, a master of deception whose life is built upon a foundation of social maneuvering and "charming lies" learned during his time at an elite boarding school, presents an unlikely partner for the traumatized protagonist.
The film is a significant international effort, with production spanning locations in Stockholm, Dalecarlia, and the picturesque landscapes of Croatia. It is being produced by SF Studios in partnership with Croatia’s Kinorama, SVT, and NRK, supported by the Swedish Film Institute, Film Stockholm, Film i Dalarna, and a Croatian tax rebate.
Chronology of the Project
The journey of True Love began in the wake of the resounding success of Martina Haag’s directorial debut, Little Did I Know. Released to critical acclaim, that film secured a Best Film Award at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Television Festival and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Swedish films of 2025.
Following that triumph, Haag reunited with her long-time collaborator, screenwriter Peter Arrhenius. Known for his work on hit series such as Clark, Welcome to Sweden, and Beck, Arrhenius brings a structural precision to the script that complements Haag’s character-driven approach. The duo spent the last year developing the script for True Love, refining the narrative arc to ensure the transition from comedy to sincere emotional resonance remained grounded.
With the screenplay finalized, SF Studios tapped producer Helen Ahlsson to oversee the production. The project is now slated for its official industry introduction at the New Nordic Films market in Haugesund, Norway, which runs from August 25–28. With filming beginning in October, the production team has set a target delivery date for the autumn of 2027.
Supporting Data and Production Insight
The success of a romantic comedy rests heavily on the chemistry between its leads, a challenge that director Martina Haag acknowledged during early casting discussions. "Both Frida and Kristofer feel grounded and are capable of going from being extremely funny to super sensitive," Haag noted. "If the spark isn’t there, it doesn’t matter how great the story is."
The Creative Engine: Haag and Arrhenius
The collaboration between Haag and Arrhenius is described by the director as a "yin and yang" dynamic. While Arrhenius provides the narrative scaffolding—delivering sharp, drastic jokes and high-concept situations—Haag acts as the emotional anchor. Her focus remains steadfast on the question: "What would a real person actually do in this situation?" By combining these perspectives, the team aims to avoid the tropes of standard "kitchen-sink" dramas, instead offering a polished, entertaining, and deeply relatable viewing experience.
A New Chapter for Kristofer Hivju
For Kristofer Hivju, True Love represents a departure from his usual screen personas. Best known for his intense, often rugged roles in Game of Thrones, Red One, and the long-running Beck franchise, Hivju’s turn as a romantic lead is being touted as a transformative performance. Producer Helen Ahlsson emphasized that this is a side of the actor that audiences have yet to witness. "Kristofer has never really played a romantic lead before, which was perhaps a new challenge he was very keen to take on," she said.
Official Responses: The Philosophy of "Ageing Well"
The team behind True Love is vocal about their desire to fill a void in the current film market: stories about people over 50.
Martina Haag argues that the life-altering questions that arise after "Project Family"—the years spent raising children and managing domestic stability—are rarely explored with enough nuance. "I really can’t understand why we don’t see more of them as a whole scope of relatable, life-altering relationship questions appear," Haag explained. "This story is about who we were, who we are, and who we try to present ourselves as. How can anyone dare to let their guard down and risk being hurt once again?"
Helen Ahlsson, who has an extensive background in serious drama—including Alicia Vikander’s debut Pure and the upcoming Will You Care if I Die—admitted that she was initially hesitant to jump into the rom-com genre. However, the script’s ability to balance the "magic" of classic British comedies like Bridget Jones’s Diary with a distinctively Nordic sensibility proved irresistible. "It’s a tricky mix that you can’t take lightly," Ahlsson remarked, highlighting the difficulty of balancing humor with genuine emotional stakes.
Implications: A Shift in Nordic Genre Cinema
The development of True Love signals a broader trend in Nordic cinema: the maturation of the commercial romantic comedy. By leveraging the star power of international figures like Hivju and the established track record of a filmmaker like Haag, SF Studios is positioning the film to reach both domestic and global audiences.
The Global Appeal of Local Stories
The film’s structure—a co-production between Sweden and Croatia—is indicative of the increasing trend of European regional collaboration. By accessing the Croatian tax rebate and utilizing the country’s diverse landscapes, the production can maximize its budget while providing a visually stunning backdrop for the story. The involvement of major public broadcasters like SVT and NRK also guarantees a high baseline for quality and a guaranteed platform for the film upon its 2027 release.
Breaking the "Middle-Age" Stigma
Perhaps the most significant implication of True Love is its commitment to the "post-50" demographic. By portraying characters who are flawed, "a bit extreme," and undeniably human, the film aims to validate the idea that romance, deceit, and the need for connection do not end at a certain age. As the film moves toward production, it will be closely watched by industry analysts as a litmus test for whether audiences are hungry for high-quality, mid-life romantic comedies that treat their subjects with the dignity of a drama and the levity of a blockbuster.
As the industry gathers in Haugesund this August, True Love stands as a testament to the enduring power of the genre when handled with both humor and heart. If the track record of its creators is any indication, audiences can expect a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining, bridging the gap between the cynicism of modern dating and the hope for a second act.
Sagoh
Rifan Muazin
