What ‘El Rastro’ is about, the new and shocking Netflix series that threatens the ‘Squid Game’

Netflix has released a new Swedish miniseries that is generating great interest among subscribers: “El Rastro” (whose original title is Genombrottet). This production, based on real events, narrates a case that shocked Sweden and revolutionized criminal investigations in Europe. The story of a double homicide unsolved for 16 years finally finds an answer thanks to an innovative genetic genealogy technique.

What real crime inspires the Netflix series “El Rastro”?

El Rastro focuses on the double homicide that occurred in Linköping, Sweden, in 2004. The victims were a 56-year-old woman and an 8-year-old boy, with no apparent connection between them. The woman was murdered while trying to protect the minor. This crime, which became the second most shocking in Sweden’s recent history, remained unsolved for more than a decade, keeping the community in uncertainty and fear.

How was the Linköping double homicide case solved?

After years of fruitless investigations, a detective decides to collaborate with a genealogist. By using DNA databases and reconstructing family trees dating back 200 years, they managed to identify the murderer. This was the first time in Europe that a homicide case was solved through the use of genetic genealogy, which marked a before and after in forensic investigation techniques.

The culprit, Daniel Nyqvist, 21 years old at the time of the crimes, confessed to the murders after being confronted with the evidence. It was determined that he suffered from serious mental health problems.

What is the plot of “El Rastro” on Netflix about?

The miniseries follows the development of the investigation, from the first moments after the crime to the innovative solution thanks to genetic genealogy. The plot focuses on the work of the detective and the genealogist, to show the process of reconstructing the family network that led to the identification of the murderer.

The series not only focuses on the details of the case, it also explores the emotional and social impact that this double homicide had on the Linköping community, by showing how an act of violence affects the direct victims, their families and their environment.

What fictional elements are included in “El Rastro”?

While “El Rastro” is based on true events, the series takes a dramatization approach. To differentiate it from a traditional documentary and allow greater creative freedom, the names of the characters were changed and fictional elements were added..

However, the essence of the facts and the innovative investigation technique remain faithful to reality. At the end of the series, a nod to the authors of the book on which the production is based is included, to show the main characters who are considering the idea of ​​writing about the case and the use of genealogy.

Why does “El Rastro” fascinate lovers of criminal investigation so much?

The great value of this series lies in its approach to forensic genealogy, a discipline rarely shown on television. The viewer witnesses the reconstruction of a family’s history over two centuries, where small genetic coincidences become compelling clues to identify a culprit who seemed unattainable.

Furthermore, “El Rastro” does not limit itself to describing the police procedure: the production delves into the havoc caused by fear and the psychological consequences of witnesses. The human drama is intertwined with the scenes of intrigue, which generates empathy towards those who lived this traumatic experience.

What factors make it direct competition for “The Squid Game”?

Although the aesthetics and themes differ, the cultural impact that “El Rastro” seeks is reminiscent of the boom caused by “The squid game”. Both series reflect raw aspects of society: one explores the economic desperation and sadism of a deadly game, while the other showcases the vulnerability of a community trapped in an unsolved mystery.

The use of effective narrative resources and sustained intensity have led “El Rastro” to quickly climb positions in the audience’s preferences, to generate debates about truth, justice and collective memory.

The brutality of a double homicide for no apparent reason, the prolonged anguish of a city and the forensic revolution that allowed a dark chapter to close are masterfully articulated in this miniseries. Far from being just another thriller, the story exhibits a narrative force that places it as a serious contender to displace “The Squid Game” from the top spots of popularity.

Is “El Rastro” a true story?

Yes, “El Rastro” is based on a real case that shocked Sweden in 2004. The Linköping double homicide and the subsequent resolution of the case thanks to genetic genealogy are historical facts. The series dramatizes these events, but remains faithful to the essence of the true story.

How many episodes does “El Rastro” have?

“El Rastro” is a miniseries that consists of four episodes.

What is the cast of “El Rastro”?

The main cast of “El Rastro” is made up of:

• Peter Eggers
• Mattias Nordkvist
• Jessica Liedberg

Additionally, the cast includes Helen Al-Janabi, Baxter Renman, Julius Fleischanderl, Max Nilén, Annika Hallin and Lucas Grimstedt. These actors give life to the characters who participate in the investigation and who are affected by the crime.