Movies: Kingmaker (2024) by Mikkel Serup: A Shadowy Return to the Corridors of Power
- dailyentertainment95
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
A Veteran Journalist Back in the Game
Mørkeland is a sharp, atmospheric Danish political thriller that follows Ulrik Torp (Anders W. Berthelsen), once a fearless investigative journalist now facing unemployment and a midlife crisis. When a new political conspiracy unfolds, Torp is forced back into the world he once dominated, uncovering a scandal that could shake the foundations of the Danish government. Directed by Mikkel Serup and written by Niels Krause-Kjær and Marie Østerbye, the film serves as a direct sequel to 2004’s acclaimed King’s Game, continuing the saga of political intrigue with a darker, more introspective edge.
Why to Recommend Movie: A Chilling Political Puzzle
A Compelling Sequel: Mørkeland seamlessly continues the narrative of King’s Game while standing firmly on its own. It revisits Ulrik Torp with a more weathered, vulnerable edge, making his journey deeply personal. This approach allows both fans of the original and new viewers to engage with its themes.
Anders W. Berthelsen’s Magnetic Lead Performance: Berthelsen delivers a nuanced portrayal, showing a man grappling with disillusionment yet unable to resist the pull of uncovering the truth. His performance is the emotional core of the movie.
Authentic Political Atmosphere: With its muted cinematography and ominous score, Mørkeland creates an immersive world that feels both grounded and tense, drawing comparisons to classic political thrillers like All the President’s Men.
Relevant Themes: Corruption, power plays, and media ethics are explored with depth, making it resonate strongly in today’s climate of political polarization and press freedom debates.
Scandinavian Noir Style: The film’s moody visuals, deliberate pacing, and moral ambiguity place it firmly within the Nordic noir tradition, appealing to fans of Borgen and The Killing.
These elements make Mørkeland a must-watch for lovers of cerebral thrillers and slow-burn political dramas that explore the costs of seeking the truth.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/morkeland (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/morkeland (France), https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B0FR2FWRTM/ (Germany)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27587529/
About movie: https://reinvent.dk/catalogue/kingmaker/
What is the Trend Followed: Resurgence of Political Conspiracy Thrillers
Mørkeland is part of a wave of modern European thrillers revisiting classic political themes in a contemporary context.
Return of Investigative Journalism Stories: Like Spotlight and She Said, the film emphasizes the power and responsibility of journalism in democracy.
Scandinavian Political Noir: It continues the trend of Danish series and films blending politics and personal drama, showing how systemic corruption impacts ordinary lives.
Focus on Legacy Characters: Revisiting Ulrik Torp after 20 years is part of a growing trend of sequels that explore protagonists later in life, offering a fresh psychological dimension.
This trend appeals to viewers craving smart, realistic portrayals of political intrigue and journalistic courage.
Director’s Vision: A Darker, More Introspective Sequel
Character-First Storytelling: Serup focuses on Ulrik Torp’s internal struggle, portraying him not just as a reporter but as a man questioning his own relevance.
Tension Through Atmosphere: Rather than relying on big action set pieces, Serup uses mood, lighting, and sound design to build dread and suspense.
A Mirror to Society: Serup’s direction holds up a mirror to contemporary politics, showing how easily democracy can be manipulated when the media and public aren’t vigilant.
Balanced Pacing: The narrative takes its time, allowing viewers to sit with Torp’s moral dilemmas while still building toward a satisfying revelation.
Serup crafts a story that is less about sensationalism and more about the psychological and ethical toll of seeking truth in a murky world.
Themes: Power, Truth, and the Cost of Exposure
Media vs. Politics: The film explores how journalists navigate a dangerous landscape where truth-telling can have life-altering consequences.
Personal Redemption: Torp’s investigation doubles as a path toward reclaiming his sense of purpose and identity.
Corruption and Complicity: Mørkeland doesn’t just indict politicians; it shows how entire systems become complicit in maintaining power.
Isolation and Sacrifice: The film highlights how pursuing truth often comes at the cost of personal relationships and stability.
These themes elevate Mørkeland beyond a simple thriller, making it a thought-provoking character study.
Key Success Factors: What Makes It Work
Strong Continuity with King’s Game: The film’s connection to the earlier story builds on audience familiarity while offering new stakes.
Unflinching Realism: Mørkeland’s grounded approach feels timely and plausible, which heightens the tension.
Performance-Driven Drama: Anders W. Berthelsen’s performance is widely praised as one of his best, carrying the film even when the plot slows down.
Visual and Sonic Design: The cinematography and soundtrack contribute heavily to the film’s ominous tone, immersing the viewer in its shadowy world.
These factors combine to create a film that is as compelling emotionally as it is politically charged.
Awards & Nominations: Festival Recognition
Mørkeland has earned 8 nominations across Danish and Nordic film award circuits, including nods for Best Actor (Anders W. Berthelsen), Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score. Its critical success suggests it will remain a strong contender during award season, particularly in categories celebrating political and social commentary in cinema.
Critics Reception: Sharp, Tense, and Timely
TheDevilsFedora (User Review): Called it a “fantastic on-your-edge political thriller” and praised its dark tone and ominous score, though noted Nicolas Bro’s character is underutilized compared to the first film.
Searchanddestroy-1 (User Review): Compared it to classics like The Parallax View and All the President’s Men, praising its serious tone and lack of Hollywood sensationalism.
Parsa-Eshtelaq (User Review): Admired its continuation of the King’s Game storyline but critiqued the plot for being too similar to its predecessor.
Overall Summary: Critics and audiences see Mørkeland as a worthy sequel that combines the intrigue of its predecessor with a more introspective approach, even if some feel its plot echoes familiar beats.
Reviews: Audience and Festival Buzz
Audience Response: IMDb users generally rate it favorably (6.2/10), with many praising the tense atmosphere and Berthelsen’s performance.
Festival Screenings: Nordic audiences embraced the film for its political relevance, while some international viewers compared it favorably to Hollywood conspiracy thrillers for its understated but effective storytelling.
Discussion Points: Online conversations highlight the film’s commentary on journalistic ethics and how it resonates with current global concerns about media independence.
This feedback cements Mørkeland as a smart, engaging political thriller that sparks conversation well beyond the cinema.
Movie Trend: Nordic Noir Political Revival
Mørkeland rides the renewed interest in politically charged dramas that combine personal character arcs with systemic critique. Its blend of conspiracy thriller and intimate drama echoes the best of Nordic noir storytelling, emphasizing realism, moral complexity, and slow-burning suspense.
Social Trend: Reflection on Democracy and Media Integrity
The film mirrors a growing global conversation about misinformation, the fragility of democracy, and the essential role of investigative journalism. Its narrative resonates in an era when freedom of the press is under pressure worldwide, making its message urgent and timely.
Final Verdict: A Gripping, Thoughtful Sequel
Mørkeland is a tense, intelligent political thriller that rewards viewers seeking a sophisticated narrative over cheap thrills. With a strong central performance, haunting atmosphere, and a story that feels both timely and timeless, it solidifies itself as one of the standout Scandinavian films of 2024.