A Swedish bureaucrat’s quiet defiance of Nazi Germany is captivating audiences on Netflix, as the film The Swedish Connection rises in the platform’s viewing charts. The film, released on February 16, 2026, details the true story of Gösta Engzell, a Swedish official who spearheaded a discreet operation to rescue Jewish citizens of Denmark and Norway during World War II.
Rather than engaging in armed resistance, Engzell and his team at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs employed bureaucratic maneuvering to protect those facing persecution. The film highlights how seemingly mundane administrative tasks – paperwork, permits, and diplomatic communications – became vital tools in circumventing Nazi authorities and facilitating safe passage for refugees.
Henrik Dorsin portrays Engzell in the film, which premiered at the Gothenburg Film Festival in January before becoming a Netflix exclusive. Sissela Benn and Jonas Karlsson also feature prominently in the cast. According to Netflix, the film centers on an “unlikely war hero” who attempted to save Jewish lives during the darkest days of the war.
The operation, as depicted in the film, involved misleading the Nazis about the identities and destinations of Jewish refugees, effectively creating a pathway to safety through Sweden. This “desk resistance,” as described in reports, focused on exploiting loopholes and utilizing Sweden’s neutral status to provide sanctuary.
The Swedish Connection distinguishes itself from typical war films by focusing on the often-overlooked contributions of those who fought the Nazi regime through non-violent means. The film’s tension, according to reviews, stems from the high stakes associated with even the smallest bureaucratic errors, where a misplaced stamp or delayed signature could have life-or-death consequences.
The film’s narrative emphasizes the moral complexities faced by individuals within a bureaucratic system. It explores the risks taken by those who chose to challenge established procedures and the potential repercussions for their actions. The supporting cast, including Marianne Mörck, Jonas Malmsjö, Carl Jacobson, and Johan Glans, represent the diverse range of perspectives and motivations within the Swedish government during the war.
Netflix currently offers the film in multiple audio and subtitle options, including German, English, Swedish, Ukrainian, Arabic, Finnish, and Russian. Viewers can choose from Basic (720p), Standard (1080p), and Premium (4K + HDR) subscription tiers to access the film.
As of March 1, 2026, Netflix has not commented on potential follow-up projects related to the Engzell operation or the broader history of Swedish neutrality during World War II.