Varg Veum: Companions of Death – Varg Veum – Dødens drabanter (2011)

Directed by: Stephan Apelgren | 90 minutes | crime | Actors: Trond Espen Seim, Lene Nystrøm, Bjørn Floberg, Line Verndal, Vegar Hoel, Sturla Alvsvåg, Dagny Backer Johnsen, Ingrid Jørgensen Dragland, Jon Bleiklie Devik, Helga Mjeldheim, Veronika Flotve Røssland, Sarah Svege

Private detective Varg Veum originated from the brain of the Norwegian writer Gunnar Staalesen. His first adventure appeared in 1977. In 2007 the novel character was brought to the silver screen. Smart, because the interest in Scandinavian thrillers has risen sharply in recent years, thanks to series such as ‘The Killing’ and of course ‘Millennium’. Veum’s popularity is steadily increasing and the books have already been translated into Dutch, English, Swedish, Danish and German.

Unlike super detectives like Baantjer and Sherlock Holmes, Veum has to rely on his common sense. And his patience. The solution to a murder mystery doesn’t come out of the blue. Veum has to work hard for it, just letting go of theories (Holmes) or having a drink (Baantjer) does not ensure that the case is solved. Veum is a human and not a superhero. He struggles with his past and is not always easy to get along with. That humanity makes him so empathetic. Norwegian actor Trond Espen Seim enjoys portraying the character. Very nice to watch.

In ‘Dødens drabanter’ – or ‘Companions of death’ in Dutch – Veum is faced with a difficult case. Teenager Jan Egil is suspected of murder. The 16-year-old boy is said to have killed his foster parents. Veum bites into the matter, but is therefore confronted with his own past. When Veum’s ex-girlfriend gets involved, things get even more complicated.

The interesting thing about the films about Veum is the fact that it’s not so much about the crimes. It’s about people and the way they deal with certain situations. Each episode develops a different aspect of Veum’s character. The acting is very strong. The mood setting is also well done. The desolate Norwegian landscape creates a melancholy atmosphere. The melancholic feeling that this series evokes makes the films just that little bit more intense. The moody soundtrack completes it. ‘Companions of Death’ is another exciting, intelligent and entertaining adventure from this gruff detective.