Netflix’s ‘The Breakthrough’ Revives Sweden’s Notorious 2004 Double Murder Case

Netflix‘s latest Swedish miniseries, The Breakthrough, has captivated audiences worldwide by dramatizing one of Europe’s most haunting criminal cases: the 2004 double murder in Linköping, Sweden. Directed by Lisa Siwe and written by Oskar Söderlund, the four-part series premiered on January 7, 2025, and quickly secured a spot in Netflix’s daily top 10 most-watched shows.

The series recounts the brutal murders of eight-year-old Mohammed Ammouri and 56-year-old Anna-Lena Svensson, who were stabbed to death in a seemingly random attack. Despite extensive investigations and DNA evidence, the case remained unsolved for 16 years, becoming one of Sweden’s most infamous cold cases.

In 2020, a groundbreaking technique—forensic genealogy—finally cracked the case. Genealogist Peter Sjölund traced the killer’s DNA through public genealogical databases, leading to the arrest of Daniel Nyqvist. Nyqvist confessed to the murders and was sentenced to indefinite psychiatric care, marking the first time forensic genealogy was used to solve a murder in Europe.

The Breakthrough intertwines two timelines: the immediate aftermath of the 2004 murders and the renewed investigation in 2020. Peter Eggers stars as John, a detective inspired by the real-life investigators, while Mattias Nordkvist plays Per, a character based on Sjölund. The series also explores the emotional toll on the victims’ families and the ethical implications of forensic genealogy.

Director Lisa Siwe emphasized the human tragedy at the heart of the story. “Though this is a fictional drama series about a crime, it is, above all, a depiction of a human tragedy—where we place our focus on the victims and the investigation rather than the perpetrator,” she said.

Since its release, The Breakthrough has garnered mixed reviews. Critics praised its procedural intensity and emotional depth, while some found it sluggish. However, audiences have lauded its fast-paced narrative and compelling performances, with many calling it “one of the best true crime shows in years.”

The series not only sheds light on a historic moment in forensic science but also raises important questions about privacy and the future of criminal investigations. As forensic genealogy continues to evolve, The Breakthrough serves as a poignant reminder of its potential—and its challenges.