AVERAGE

In his adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s last children’s book, The Bridge creator Hans Rosenfeldt stayed close to the source material, also adding a discreet nod or two to the 1984 film version.

Composer Björn Isfält’s influence on that movie is huge, but Johan Söderqvist contributes a robust music score of his own, and as expected the visual effects are a major improvement, turning the harpies into fearsome creatures. The attempt to dig deeper results in episodes that drag, but overall this Netflix fantasy series is emotional and likable. Worth a look for young audiences, making the most out of a good story about a feud that risks poisoning generation after generation.

Johan Ulveson stands out in the cast as a crafty old veteran among the bandits.

2024-Sweden. 12 episodes. Color. Developed by Hans Rosenfeldt. Novel: Astrid Lindgren. Music: Johan Söderqvist. Cast: Kerstin Linden (Ronja), Christopher Wagelin (Mattis), Krista Kosonen (Lovis), Jack Bergenholtz Henriksson (Birk), Johan Ulveson, Sverrir Gudnason, Vera Vitali, Pernilla August, Joakim Nätterqvist. 

Trivia: Original title: Ronja rövardotter. Several episodes are directed by Lisa James Larsson.