The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
The Girl who played with Fire (2009)
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest (2009)
In this post, we will look at a Swedish mystery-action thriller trilogy based on the novels by Stieg Larsson. All three films were released in 2009. Other adaptations and remakes of these books will be covered in a future post.
The lead characters in this trilogy are Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist. Their paths cross and they form an unlikely alliance rooted in what can best be described as an unconventional sense of mutual respect.
One aspect of the trilogy that stands out is Larsson’s original and detailed character development, which is rarely seen on screen. Lisbeth, in particular, is one of the most intriguing, enigmatic, and unforgettable female leads in cinema. Larsson’s portrayal of her breaks every mainstream stereotype of the ‘geek’ or ‘nerd.’
She is asocial, hiding a traumatic childhood behind a veil of stoic detachment. Androgynous and bisexual, she often feels like an imposter in the world around her and trusts no one. Yet, she possesses a photographic memory and an extraordinary talent for computer hacking. A large tattoo covers most of her back, symbolizing both her pain and resilience.
Noomi Rapace plays Lisbeth with intensity and nuance, bringing this unforgettable character vividly to life. While Rooney Mara would later earn an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Lisbeth in the American remake of the first film, I believe Rapace laid the definitive foundation for the role.
Mikael Blomkvist, by contrast, is portrayed as a dedicated, almost one-dimensional investigative journalist. However, his partnership with Lisbeth reveals that they share a deep commitment to truth and justice, regardless of the danger or personal cost.
The late Michael Nyqvist plays the understated Blomkvist, a character worlds apart from his later role as Viggo Tarasov—the ruthless Russian mob boss in John Wick (he plays the father of the man who stole John Wick’s car). In this trilogy, Nyqvist serves as the passive partner to the true protagonist of the films: Lisbeth Salander.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first film in the trilogy. Blomkvist is a disgraced journalist, having recently lost a libel case brought against him by a billionaire.
Meanwhile, Lisbeth is hired to investigate Blomkvist using her expert hacking skills. After breaking into his computer, she discovers that he is, in fact, clean.
Lisbeth has her own battles to fight. She is under the control of a sadistic and abusive legal guardian. After a series of violent events, she ultimately breaks free from his control.
While Blomkvist awaiting sentencing, Henrik Vanger—a wealthy patriarch—commissions him to investigate the decades-old disappearance of his niece, Harriet, who vanished in 1966. Interestingly, Harriet has a past connection to Blomkvist, a detail omitted in the American remake. As Blomkvist begins the investigation, Lisbeth—now intrigued by him and appreciative of his journalistic integrity—decides to look into the case herself. The two soon form an alliance.
Their search places them in grave danger. Can they solve the mystery and survive the ordeal? Can Blomkvist clear his name and avoid sentencing? The rest of the plot answers these questions. The film is a thrill ride from start to finish.
American director David Fincher helmed the English-language remake of the same book, also titled The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, released in 2011. Starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, that version will be reviewed and compared in a future post.
The Girl who played with Fire
Lisbeth and Mikael return in the second installment of the Millennium series. This time, Lisbeth is the one indicted for a crime—and she will need Mikael’s help to clear her name.
Mikael has since rebuilt both his reputation and that of his media firm. He hires a young journalist and the journalist’s girlfriend, a skilled researcher, to investigate human trafficking in Sweden.
Shortly after beginning their investigation, the couple is murdered—and Lisbeth is implicated in their deaths. Convinced of her innocence, Mikael sets out to uncover the truth and exonerate her.
Meanwhile, Lisbeth escapes from custody and launches her own quest to track down those responsible for framing her and to reclaim her life.
This time, Lisbeth comes face to face with a towering brute named Ronald Niedermann—an emotionless figure seemingly impervious to pain. As the story unfolds, she discovers that this monstrous man is connected to the darkest parts of her traumatic past. Whether she can survive and overcome him forms the core of the film’s suspenseful climax.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest (2009)
This is the final chapter in the Millennium film trilogy. It picks up where The Girl Who Played with Fire left off. Lisbeth is recovering in the hospital from the injuries she sustained in her previous confrontation. She remains a suspect in the double murder of a young couple. Meanwhile, Ronald Niedermann—the psychopathic criminal—is still at large, and Mikael is working tirelessly to prove Lisbeth’s innocence. The rest of the film focuses on how these loose ends are resolved.
All three films are well-crafted, featuring strong cinematography and standout performances from the lead actors, supported by a capable and convincing supporting cast. They’re ideal for a weekend binge-watch session. The action scenes are intense and grounded, avoiding over-the-top stunts in favor of realism.
One of the most compelling aspects of the trilogy is the unlikely alliance between the enigmatic, genius hacker and the principled journalist—a pairing rarely seen in mainstream cinema. The storytelling is tight, the performances are powerful, and the cinematography holds up well for its time. This trilogy is a must-watch for fans of mystery and thriller genres.
In 2010, Yellowbird released a six-part Millennium miniseries that expands upon the original three films, adding additional depth and scenes. I haven’t watched it yet, but I may review it in a future post.
Bay Area Bloke 