Felix Herngren set to direct Anxious People series for Netflix

Prolific talent Felix Herngren (Bonus Family, Solsidan) will direct Anxious People from a script by Quicksand head-writer Camilla Åhlgren. The story centres on a hostage drama during an open house. A failed bank robber locks himself in with an over-enthusiastic real estate agent, two bitter IKEA-addicts, a pregnant woman, a suicidal multi-millionaire and a damn rabbit. In the end the robber gives up and lets everyone go, but when the police storm the apartment it is empty.

Asked to testify, the witnesses all tell their version of what really happened, whereupon a classic puzzle mystery develops around the questions: How did the robber manage to escape? Why is everyone so angry? What is…wrong with people these days?

Herngren who also co-owns FLX with Pontus Edgren and SF Studios said: “Fredrik Backman has a unique sense and ability to portray people and to find interesting stories that reflect Sweden. It will be a privilege to shape this amazing book together with Camilla Ahlgren. Furthermore, it feels great to continue our collaboration with Netflix, which will make this fantastic story come to life to the global audience.”

Backman noted: ”My wife and I feel that FLX has in the past few years shown a tremendous range not only in their comedies, but especially in their dramas, and so we are truly glad and proud that they wish to take on this particular story. Felix Herngren is an extraordinary storyteller with a unique sense of comedy who is a dream to work with. Camilla Ahlgren understands the fragile and messy parts of humans and writes real people, not just characters. This book could not be in better hands.”

Tesh Crawford, Netflix’s Director of International Originals Northern Europe said she is “excited to see how comedy and drama will come together in this new series” and how Felix Herngren and Camilla Ahlgren “will bring Fredrik Backman’s much loved story to life in a new and thrilling way.”

Backman’s first novel A Man Called Ove brought to the screens by director Hannes Holm, had two Academy award-nominations in 2017. 

FLX’s Fatima Varhos is producing Anxious People; executive producers are Pontus Edgren, Martina Håkansson. Fredrik Backman, Neda Backman and Salomonsson Agency’s Tor Jonasson. The production was announced today Thursday at the Frankfurt Book Fair. 

Netflix first Swedish Original Quicksand (Störst av allt) based on Malin Persson Giolito’s eponymous crime novel, won Best TV Drama and Best Actress (Hanna Ardéhn) at this year’s Swedish Kristallen TV awards. 

The next FLX/Netflix collaboration Love & Anarchy (Kärlek & anarki) will be directed by Lisa Langseth (Euphoria) based on her own screenplay, written with Alex Haridi (Quicksand, Blue Eyes).