Is it all in Swedish?

Yes, it's primarily in Swedish with some German. You'll need to use subtitles, so make sure your kid is a fast enough reader to keep up without getting frustrated.

How violent does it get?

It's more about the threat of violence than the act. You'll see soldiers and the machinery of war, but it's not a 'blood and guts' movie. The intensity comes from the psychological pressure.

Is this a true story?

Mostly. Gösta Engzell was a real person, and his efforts to save Jewish refugees are a matter of historical record, though the movie adds some dramatic flourishes for pacing.

The Swedish Connection – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Swedish Connection

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2026

84%

WISE Score

A gripping WWII drama that proves even the most overlooked desk job can save thousands of lives when someone finds their spine.

The Swedish Connection

movie

PG-13, 2026

84%

WISE Score

A gripping WWII drama that proves even the most overlooked desk job can save thousands of lives when someone finds their spine.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Think of this as a Swedish Schindler’s List but with less factory work and more high-stakes paperwork. It’s a solid, well-acted piece of history that manages to make a bureaucrat look like a total badass. It’s not exactly 'popcorn' entertainment, but it’s a great pick for a family movie night that actually leaves you with something to talk about.

It’s a Netflix original, so the production value is high, and while it’s a 2026 release, it feels like a classic historical thriller. If your kid is into history or social justice, this is a must-watch. If they just want to see things blow up, maybe skip it.

Age Fit

Best for 12 or 13 and up. It’s not that the content is 'bad' for younger kids, it’s just that the nuance of international diplomacy and wartime bureaucracy will fly right over their heads.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models immense moral courage and the idea that one person can disrupt a broken system. It’s emotionally heavy but focuses on the power of humanitarian action over despair.

Imaginative

It's a grounded historical drama. While it doesn't offer fantasy or world-building, it does require a child to imagine a very different political and social landscape.

Safe

Rated PG-13 for mature historical themes. It avoids the gratuitous gore of a front-line war movie, but the threat of the Holocaust is the driving force of the plot.

Enriching

Excellent for historical literacy. It explores Swedish neutrality and the specific mechanics of how bureaucracy can be used for good, providing a nuanced look at WWII history.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Real-world heroism that doesn't involve capes; it's about a guy using stamps and signatures to fight Nazis.
Historical deep-dive into Sweden's role in the war, which is a fascinating, morally gray area rarely covered in school.
High-stakes tension that relies on intellect and strategy rather than just explosions or gunfights.

⚠

What to Watch For

The thematic weight is real. It deals with the Holocaust, so expect conversations about ethnic cleansing and systemic hate.
It's a slow-burn drama. If your kid is used to the pacing of a Marvel movie, they might find the first thirty minutes a bit of a slog.

Conversation Starters

"Why did Gösta Engzell wait so long to act, and what finally pushed him over the edge?"
"Can a country ever truly be 'neutral' when something as bad as the Holocaust is happening nearby?"
"How do you think you'd handle being a 'small' person in a big, scary system today?"

Deep Dive

The Heroism of the Paper-Pusher

We usually get our WWII stories from the perspective of the paratrooper or the spy. The Swedish Connection takes a different route, focusing on Gösta Engzell and the Swedish Foreign Ministry. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most effective way to fight a regime is from the inside, using the very rules they created against them.

For parents, this is a great bridge into discussing the Holocaust without the sheer trauma of a movie like Son of Saul. It focuses on the rescue, not the camp, which makes the heavy subject matter more digestible for a middle-schooler.

Why Sweden Matters Here

Sweden’s role in WWII is notoriously complicated. They traded with the Nazis while also becoming a haven for refugees. The film doesn't shy away from this hypocrisy, making it a much smarter watch than your average 'good guys vs. bad guys' flick. If you have a kid who likes to argue about ethics or politics, they’re going to have a field day with the 'neutrality' debate presented here.

It’s also worth noting that because this is a Swedish production, there’s a certain coolness and restraint to the acting that feels refreshing compared to the over-the-top sentimentality of Hollywood war dramas.

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about The Swedish Connection? Put this WISE score on your site