ABOVE AVERAGE

A TV adaptation of Jonas Bonnier’s critically acclaimed account of a spectacular rooftop heist in 2009 involving a helicopter where the robbers got hold of millions, money that was lost forever even though most of the criminals were caught.

A straightforward depiction of the preparations, the heist (detailed in the thrilling sixth episode) and the aftermath. Maintains its grip in spite of a protracted running time – which, after all, helps us understand and get closer to the leading characters and their motivations.

Daniél Espinosa’s conceptual direction creates a convincing sense of realism; so does a great cast. 

2024-Sweden. 354 min. Color. Widescreen. Created and written by Ronnie Sandahl. Book: Jonas Bonnier. Music: Jon Ekstrand. Cast: Mahmut Suvakci (Rami), Ardalan Esmaili (Michel), Iskra Kostic (Leonie), Dejan Milacic, Johanna Hedberg, Erik Svedberg-Zelman. 

Trivia: Original title: Helikopterrånet. Originally shown in eight episodes. At one point, Jake Gyllenhaal was set to turn the story into a movie. The helicopter used in this series is the actual one from the robbery.

Last word: “When the helicopter robbers got out, they got in touch. ‘You need to make a film out of this!’ ‘Out of what?’ I asked. ‘Our experience!’ I explained that things don’t work quite that way; they would need some IP first. ‘IP?’ ‘Intellectual property, a picture, a text, something.’ ‘But we can’t paint or write!’ I then introduced them to a literary agent, Niclas Samuelsson. He put them in touch with Jonas Bonnier, who took their testimonies. The book was published in 2017.” (Espinosa, Cineuropa)