Culture / Society

'Vinterviken' and the appeal of the Swedish romantic teen drama

By Allyson Shiffman

Photo: Netflix

A sexy new subgenre has emerged on Netflix

Many elements of romantic teen dramas are universal: a love-at-first-sight moment between two unlikely candidates, extended sequences of awkward sexual tension, a goofy but loveable BFF. But with the rise of Netflix Nordics, which offers an endless stream of Scandi content, a sexy new subgenre has emerged: the Swedish romantic teen drama.

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Yes, these vehicles have all the aforementioned trappings of any other romantic teen drama, but they also have their very own, distinctly Swedish special sauce. Perhaps you’ve already binge-watched the poster child of the genre, Young Royals. For another shining example, look no further than JJ+E. Often called by its working title, Vinterviken (I will call it Vinterviken henceforth) this very titillating teen movie came out on Netflix just last week.

Young love in Vinterviken. Photo: Netflix