For the former L'Oreal Rising Star, the new film franchise produced by Yellow Bird is her breakthrough in the mainstream genre.
Nordisk Film's Norway release is followed by Sweden and Finland.
How is it to promote Nobel's Last Will from Sweden, Finland to Norway?
It's very exciting to be part of this big promotional machine. I've worked very intensely over the last year on those six films.
How did you prepare for the role of crime reporter Annika Bengtzon?
I had read all the books and did a full immersion week training at the Swedish tabloid newspaper Expressen to get close to her daily routine as a journalist.
How was it to get in the shoes of a journalist?
I realised that there is a lot of waiting when you work as a journalist. It seems to follow a certain pattern, from breaking news to news features and follow- up stories. I can also see the thrill of the scoop and how easy it can be to lose yourself as everything moves so fast and you have to be on your toes all the time.
Annika Bengtzon is a versatile character, trying to cope with her stressful job and family life. Is this something you're familiar with?
Any woman can relate to her problem of having to juggle a career and a family life. But I also like the way she stays strong in the hardest situations. Her stubbornness is her way of keeping her integrity. At home she allows herself to show her weaknesses and to loose herself.
Did you find inspiration in other Nordic female crime investigators, from Lizbeth Salander (Millennium films), to Saga Norén (The Bridge), and Sarah Lund (The Killing)?
Of course I watched all these films and TV series, but really tried to focus on my own character and her specific personality and character.
How was it to work with three different directors on six films in a row?
All directors had their own aesthetic approach and obviously each book has a specific storyline, focusing on different aspects of Annika's personality. It was quite a satisfying experience to keep her character alive and strong all through the six films.
What's next for you? Would you like to go back to the theatre and Lars Nóren with whom you've worked on several occasions?
I don't have anything specific lined up yet, but I would definitely love to work again with Lars. He has been a mentor for me and is such an inspiring playwright. Right now, I'd like to do anything but hold a gun to kill someone!
You had a part in Joachim Trier's Oslo, August 31st. Would you like to work with him again?
Absolutely! He and scriptwriter Eskil Vogt make magnificent films and I would love to work with them again.
Wirtten by Annika Pham