To Cook a Bear
Set in 19th-century Northern Sweden and adapted from Mikael Niemis’s novel of the same name, this gripping Nordic thriller sees a pastor (Gustaf Skarsgård) arrive in an isolated village with his family. Their arrival coincides with the disappearance of a local girl. While some villagers believe she was attacked by a bear, with some speculating that she may have simply run away, the pastor uncovers a far more insidious truth while investigating the case with his foster son, Jussi (Emil Kárlsen). The discovery sends the pair down a rabbit hole that puts them at odds against some of the locals who don’t appreciate their interference. Throughout the first three episodes of this six-part series, this Disney+ series delivers a taut mystery that’s set against the stunning Nordic wilderness.
From the elaborate costumes to the dirty interiors of the village’s wooden homes, the production quality is spectacular. The show fully realises its 19th-century setting, enabling viewers to completely immerse themselves within it and its various mysteries. The soundtrack is equally important in bringing the world to life. The harsh strings that make up most of the arrangements aren’t just fitting for the period, but they give the series the air of a Western. This atmosphere aligns perfectly with the show’s stellar cinematography that depicts the village’s surrounding vistas as equally beautiful as they are formidable.
The plot moves at a methodically steady but consistent pace. There is ample time between crucial story beats to allow for the investigation to unfold as a slow burn while revelations take the story in unexpected and interesting new directions. Outside of the pastor’s detective work, the village is filled with other murmurings and rumours that may be connected to the disappearances. Amongst all this gossip, the show also sets its sights on themes of authority. Although these aspects are still in their initial stages by the show’s halfway point, the showrunners have nevertheless laid the groundwork for something interesting that’s still to come.
Part historic drama, part Nordic western, To Cook a Bear is shaping up to be one of this year’s most captivating shows to date. Complete with a standout performance from Skarsgård, this is something that viewers should have their eye on.
Andrew Murray
To Cook a Bear is released on Disney+ on 15th October 2025.
Watch the trailer for To Cook a Bear here:
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