The Compelling Story of the Helicopter Heist Series on Netflix
The Unbelievable Heist in Stockholm
In September 2009, an extraordinary crime took place in Västberga, Stockholm, where robbers were transported to and from the scene by helicopter. The men managed to collect a total of 39 million Swedish kronor, approximately 3.5 million euros, in their bags. The money has never been found.
The Birth of a Series
Jonas Bonnier wrote a novel about the heist in 2017, which has now been adapted into an eight-part series that delves into every detail of the case. The actual robbery is carried out in the fifth episode.
The series is written by Ronnie Sandahl and directed by action expert Daniel Espinosa.
A New Level of Heist Stories
While legendary or fictional heists are common in thrillers, the Swedes take the genre to a new level. The heist crew jokes about the movie “Ocean’s Eleven” from the past, but as the plan unfolds, nothing is amusing anymore.
The perspective is on a robber named Rami, who is on the run in a foreign country in the opening credits of the series. He writes a letter to his wife and two young children whom he had to leave behind.
The Psychology of the Robbers
The main focus of the series is not just the suspense and well-executed action scenes, but the psychology of the robbers. What drives them to such a crazy operation and crime in general?
The Masterful Heist
The best robbers are not like others; they have different codes and motives, as experienced police officer Mats explains when the police start to understand the robbery plan. They are not gangsters, don’t use drugs, and don’t seek visibility. They are like athletes who just want to win.
During a moment of despair, Rami meets his childhood friend Michel, a kindred spirit, and Michel has a plan. Soon, they are back in their element, planning the heist of their lives.
The series also portrays the group’s weak link, cocaine addict Axel, who leads a bourgeois facade. He ends up piloting the helicopter.
The leader of the group, Zoran, is a more conventional criminal figure whose task is to set everything up.
The Police Perspective
The police enter the scene a while later, with the stern Leonie taking the lead. She is driven by clearing her own name but also shares the same athlete mentality as the robbers. Her personal connection to Zoran feels somewhat forced.
The Intense Heist Episode
The actual heist episode is a chapter on its own. The robbers’ faces are covered, but the focus is on their emotions: fear and especially physical extremes, sounds. Robbing requires strength.
The plan doesn’t go smoothly, minutes pass. The robbers don’t want to harm civilians, but they cannot know where they are. The police are far away at this point, only briefly mentioned.
The entire episode is agonizingly suspenseful.
A Tragic Undercurrent
The series carries a sad undertone. In a way, the robbers come out as winners, but the price is steep.
Conclusion
The Helicopter Heist series on Netflix offers a gripping and detailed portrayal of a real-life crime, exploring the minds of the robbers and the intense heist itself. With a mix of suspense, psychology, and tragedy, the series captivates viewers from start to finish.
FAQs
What is the Helicopter Heist series about?
The series is based on a true story of a daring heist in Stockholm in 2009, where robbers used a helicopter to commit a high-profile crime.
Who are the main characters in the series?
- Rami, the lead robber
- Michel, Rami’s childhood friend
- Axel, the cocaine-addicted member of the crew
- Zoran, the leader of the group
- Leonie, the determined police officer