Newcomers Elsa Öhrn and Mustapha Aarab are playing the young lovers in the modern take of Mats Wahl’s 1993 eponymous novel.

The film is brought to the screens by hip hop musician-turned-director Alexis Almström, screenwriter Dunja Vujovic and Filmlance International producer Teresa Alldén who collaborated earlier on C More/TV4’s upcoming series Top Dog.

The contemporary romantic drama centres on Elisabeth and John-John, two youngsters born and raised in Stockholm, separated by class and racial origin, who end up in the same class in high school. After David Tainton and Lina Englund who played the title roles in the 1996 classic romance flic, newcomers Mustapha Aarab and Elsa Öhrn have secured the parts of John John and Elisabeth.

The cast also comprises Magnus Krepper (Liberty, Queen of Hearts), pop singer Loreen (winner of the 2012 Eurovision contest) Marika Lagercrantz (Modus) and Albin Grenholm (Caliphate).

Elsa Öhrn said: “It feels exciting to be part of this new version of Vinterviken where the overall societal problems are the same - but adapted to present time. I am thrilled to work with such a creative team with so many talented people of all ages. Elisabeth feels more complex in this version and the contrasts between her and John-John are even more present - but that's probably why they are drawn to each other.”

Mustapha Aarab adds: “The original film really touched me in many ways and I hope this new version will both shine a light on important topics in society and at the same time entertain.”

The film is produced by Banijay’s Stockholm-based production outfit Filmlance International, in co-production with SVT which will handle the Swedish premiere one year after the global launch on Netflix in 2021.