Watch Anxious People

Anxious People is a Swedish dramedy series that premiered on Netflix in 2021. Based on the eponymous book by Fredrik Backman, the show follows a group of strangers who are brought together in an apartment viewing that quickly turns into a hostage situation. Throughout the show, the characters' pasts and present lives are explored, revealing that they're all connected in unexpected ways.

The series begins with a police investigation of a botched bank robbery. As the detectives search for the culprits, they stumble upon a group of hostages that were held in an apartment by a bumbling and inept robber. There we meet the titular anxious people - a mismatched group of individuals that includes a father and son competing for the same job, a career-driven woman desperate for a child, an elderly couple whose marriage is on the brink of dissolution and a suicidal man. As the hostages berate and tease their captor, their stories begin to unfold.

As the show unfolds, it becomes clear that each character's quirky personality traits mask deeper underlying issues. Each character has a unique way of dealing with their anxiety and fears, ranging from humor to denial to outright panic. And yet, despite their differences, they all share a common feeling of being lost in life.

Throughout the series, the characters reflect on their past, exploring the pivotal moments that led them to where they are now. It becomes apparent that all the characters have a connection to a life-saving event that happened on New Year's Eve years before. The impact of that night on their lives is revealed gradually as we discover how each character's role in that event led them to where they are now.

Despite the comedic elements, the show touches on some heavier themes such as mental health and suicide. It portrays these themes in a sensitive and nuanced way, highlighting the importance of empathy and human connection. Each character's story serves as a reminder that we never truly know what someone else may be going through. Throughout the show, we see how even the most anxious of people can find solace in the company and comfort of others.

One of the standout elements of Anxious People is its ensemble cast. Each character is well-drawn and complex, and the script manages to balance humor and poignancy without ever feeling tonally uneven. Tobias Zilliacus is particularly memorable as the robber, with his performance managing to be both endearing and menacing. The ing cast is also noteworthy, with each actor bringing their A-game to the table.

Another strength of the show is its writing. Based on Backman's novel, it has been adapted for the screen by Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Niclas Carlsson. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and the show knows how to balance humor with heartache. The characters can be quirky and larger-than-life, but they always feel grounded in reality.

The production design and cinematography are also impressive. The show takes place almost entirely in the apartment, which could have felt visually claustrophobic. Instead, the show utilizes its limited setting to great effect, with clever camera placement and blocking. The colors are muted, but the lighting is used particularly well, creating a moody and atmospheric ambiance.

Overall, Anxious People is a delightful and emotionally resonant show. It manages to be both hilarious and heart-wrenching, with complex characters and a well-constructed narrative. While it may not be a show for everyone, those who appreciate character-driven dramas with a sprinkling of humor will find much to love. The 8-part series is a well-paced and engaging watch, and you'll find yourself invested in these anxious people's lives before you know it.