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The Breakthrough

Original title: Genombrottet
  • TV Mini Series
  • 2025
  • TV-14
  • 40m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
13K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
781
97
Peter Eggers and Mattias Nordkvist in The Breakthrough (2025)
True CrimeCrimeDramaMystery

When the double murder in Linköping, Sweden, back in 2004 was finally solved after 16 years, it was a genealogist who made the breakthrough. For the first time in Europe, a murder could be s... Read allWhen the double murder in Linköping, Sweden, back in 2004 was finally solved after 16 years, it was a genealogist who made the breakthrough. For the first time in Europe, a murder could be solved through genealogical research.When the double murder in Linköping, Sweden, back in 2004 was finally solved after 16 years, it was a genealogist who made the breakthrough. For the first time in Europe, a murder could be solved through genealogical research.

  • Stars
    • Peter Eggers
    • Mattias Nordkvist
    • Jessica Liedberg
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    13K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    781
    97
    • Stars
      • Peter Eggers
      • Mattias Nordkvist
      • Jessica Liedberg
    • 51User reviews
    • 18Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Episodes4

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    TopTop-rated1 season2025

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    Top cast73

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    Peter Eggers
    Peter Eggers
    • John Sundin
    • 2025
    Mattias Nordkvist
    • Per Skogkvist
    • 2025
    Jessica Liedberg
    • Francy Arnesson
    • 2025
    Karin de Frumerie
    • Lollo Jansson
    • 2025
    Annika Hallin
    Annika Hallin
    • Karin
    • 2025
    Julia Sporre
    • Stina Eriksson
    • 2025
    Malin Güettler
    • Annika Skogkvist…
    • 2025
    Helen Al-Janabi
    • Elena Abbas…
    • 2025
    Bahador Foladi
    • Saad Abbas…
    • 2025
    Per Burell
    • Kjell Persson
    • 2025
    Julius Fleischanderl
    Julius Fleischanderl
    • Ante…
    • 2025
    Lily Wahlsteen
    • Klara…
    • 2025
    Emelie Falk
    • Anna…
    • 2025
    Magnus Mark
    • Björn
    • 2025
    Jennifer Amaka Pettersson
    • Maria
    • 2025
    Max Nilén
    • Mårten…
    • 2025
    Fabian Penje
    • Henry Sundin…
    • 2025
    Lucas Grimstedt
    • David…
    • 2025
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews51

    7.112.9K
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    Featured reviews

    9jbt9955

    Solid story does not move quickly, but builds to a powerful finish.

    A veteran cop is on duty when a double murder is committed in the small town they live in. He promises the victims' families he will find the murderer, but his hard work goes on for years at great personal loss to himself and with little result to the murder case.

    Years later he reads an article about a man who is promoting genealogy to make the world a better place. He wonders if he should meet that man.

    I was not familiar with the actors in this Swedish show, but the lead, Peter Eggers was excellent as the cop who is hooked on trying to solve the case

    Excellent performances and a thoughtful, well- constructed story make this well worth watching.
    7lakshmikanthtwwi

    From unsolved to unforgettable

    Just finished watching "Breakthrough" and wow! 🎬 The storyline is gripping, and it is centered around a double murder that took place in Sweden in 2004, which remained unsolved for 16 years until advanced DNA genealogy led to the identification of the killer. The acting is incredibly realistic, with each cast member bringing their character to life in a way that feels so genuine. The direction is top-notch, making every scene count in this slow-burn thriller. The screenplay is brilliantly crafted, keeping you hooked from start to finish. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely add it to your watchlist! 🌟
    8touchthesky-83210

    Short but impactful

    As a fan of Scandinavian TV and films, I thought this show was really well-made. I am not Swedish so I wasn't familiar with this story (I was too young when it happened to have seen it on the news) so it was surprising to hear that this is Sweden's 2nd largest case in history.

    It is atypical for a Nordic show in that there is very little action and few characters outside of the main cast of about 4 actors. There are no big name stars or pointless, dragged out filler scenes or dialogue. There's a lot of detail that shows how the case developed and the writers were wise not to make us wait 10 episodes before getting to the arc of the plot. The show is more about the story and less about the actual characters beyond short bursts of their personal lives.

    The acting is better from the families, whose lives we don't get to see too much of. This was fine since I think subplots can take away from the main points of the show. It was slower than many Hollywood productions but I appreciate how this was actually a mini series with 4 episodes and not anything longer!
    9tullywayne2

    Excellent crime drama

    I'm a big fan of Scandinavian crime dramas. They do crime as well as any...just top notch! This is a serious and relatable human drama. The actors / actresses are top-notch, especially the lead character. Very compelling plot and some lovely cinematography.

    Apparently based on a true story. I wasn't familiar with the story but truly sad for the families of the victims.

    I also loved the soundtrack for the series. Melancholy, emotive but fitting for the series and characters. As I said, the actors are excellent and draw you into their pain of loss. Sorry to repeat but oddly there is a minimum word count required for a review.
    7mcallister126

    Well above average

    For a drama that was dubbed (and I think the same people dubbed several characters in this one) The Breakthrough was surprisingly watchable, and it seemed well acted.

    So many of these sort of crime dramas are padded out, but this was just about the right duration.

    It was based on a true story, so we knew the ending wouldn't be contrived, even if it was somewhat tame.

    There was a eureka moment of course, but it was really all about the process, and the strain on those involved trying to solve this crime, and those hoping to see it solved.

    In most crimes that take many years and DNA advancements to solve, there are the 'if onlys'. If only the police had pursued certain lines of inquiry, or investigated potential suspects, more thoroughly at the time. This was one of those.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      The series is also filmed in Södertälje, a subburb to Stockholm

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    FAQ

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    • is the breakthrough in English or subtitled

    Details

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    • Release date
      • January 7, 2025 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Sweden
    • Official site
      • Official Netflix
    • Language
      • Swedish
    • Also known as
      • Genombrottet
    • Filming locations
      • Linköping, Sweden
    • Production company
      • FLX
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital

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