In a recent interview, the creatives behind the sperm donor series All & Eva have boldly claimed that their show represents a new wave of auteur-driven Scandi drama. Director Johanna Runevad and producer Sofie Palage highlighted the shift in the Scandinavian television landscape, moving away from the dominance of crime shows like The Killing and The Bridge. They mentioned the success of recent Swedish dramedies such as Love Me and Lust, signaling a changing trend in viewer preferences.
Palage emphasized how the international audience is now more open to watching Swedish shows on a variety of topics beyond crime. She noted, “Ten years ago, the only thing Sweden exported was crime shows and Nordic noir. Now, the international audience is more likely to watch Swedish shows on other topics. You can do any genre and people will watch.” This shift in audience expectations has provided a platform for directors like Runevad to explore different storytelling avenues in television, as opposed to being limited to only making movies.
Auteur-Driven TV Landscape
Runevad expressed her excitement about the evolving TV landscape that supports auteur-driven content. She highlighted the significance of letting filmmakers bring their unique vision to television series, fostering a creative environment where directors have the freedom to craft distinctive stories. She compared this approach to the traditional crime shows, stating, “Crime shows are much less auteur-driven, some are but a lot are just machines.”
All & Eva: A Unique Blend of Drama and Comedy
All & Eva, a series from Warner Bros. ITVP Sweden, stands as a testament to the evolving Scandinavian television landscape. The show follows Eva, played by Tuva Novotny, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she tracks down her sperm donor, Mads, played by Joachim Fjelstrup. The series combines elements of drama and comedy, offering a fresh perspective on societal topics like sperm donation while maintaining a lighthearted and innovative narrative.
Inspired by Fleabag
Runevad cited Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag as a significant influence on the creative direction of All & Eva. She admired the way Waller-Bridge’s character resonated with audiences regardless of her actions, and sought to incorporate similar storytelling techniques in her series. One such technique was the use of a musical voiceover to delve into the protagonist’s thoughts, adding a dynamic element to the storytelling process.
A Cross-Cultural Exploration
One notable aspect of All & Eva is its setting in both Sweden and Denmark, mirroring the format of acclaimed series like The Bridge. Filmed in both languages with crews from both Nordic countries, the show aims to explore the differences in approach to societal issues such as sperm donation. Palage highlighted the unique dynamic between Sweden and Denmark, describing it as a blend of rivalry and companionship that adds depth to the narrative.
Despite the creative success of All & Eva, the production faced challenges in bridging the cultural and linguistic gaps between the Swedish and Danish crew members. Palage humorously shared how communication issues arose on set when the teams struggled to converse in English instead of their native languages. This cultural clash behind the scenes mirrored the thematic elements of the show, creating a layered and immersive production experience.
All & Eva represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Scandi drama, showcasing the potential for auteur-driven storytelling to thrive in the television industry. By embracing diverse genres, exploring cross-cultural themes, and drawing inspiration from innovative series, creators like Runevad and Palage are pushing the boundaries of traditional Nordic television and paving the way for a new era of captivating storytelling.