Breaking: Swedish Action Comedy “One Last Race” Returns to TV Tonight on TV4
Swedish audiences initially surprised critics with a fast-paced crowd-pleaser, and now the film is back in the spotlight. Tonight,the action comedyOne Last Race airs on TV4 at 21:30,giving viewers another chance to join the adrenaline-fueled journey that captivated hundreds of thousands at the domestic box office earlier this season.
The story follows Dennis,a former street racing legend who believed his high-speed days were behind him. That belief is challenged when he learns his sixteen-year-old daughter intends to race with her boyfriend. In a bid to protect her, Dennis teams up with his ex-wife Tove to embark on one last, high-stakes trek across Sweden to intervene.
Directed and co-written by Edward of Sillén, the Swedish comedy draws inspiration from the Norwegian hit Bearing. The ensemble also features notable performers,including Jonas Karlsson,Johan Glans,Johan Ulveson,and Peter Dalle,who contribute to the film’s broad,theatrical appeal.
why it resonated-and what to expect tonight
Critics in Sweden were reportedly less excited, yet the movie resonated with audiences, leveraging a blend of action, humor, and family dynamics to draw viewers off the couch and into theaters. the film eventually attracted 265,000 moviegoers, marking it as one of the year’s notable audience successes in the country.
Tonight’s TV4 broadcast provides a chance for late-night viewers to experience the film’s high-octane sequences and its lighthearted,road-trip premise from a different vantage point. The YouTube trailer embedded with the broadcast previously offered a glimpse of the film’s energetic pace and character-driven moments.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title (Swedish) | Ett sista race |
| English title | One Last Race |
| Country | Sweden |
| Director & Co-writer | Edward of Sillén |
| Based on | Norwegian hit Bearing |
| Lead cast | David Hellenius, Malin Åkerman |
| Supporting cast | Jonas Karlsson, Johan Glans, johan Ulveson, Peter Dalle |
| Initial audience (Sweden) | 265,000 moviegoers |
| TV broadcast | TV4, December 19, 21:30 |
evergreen takeaways
Breakout films often win audiences by combining action with relatable family dynamics, a formula that can outperform critics’ expectations in local markets. When a title travels from cinema to television, it frequently finds new life among viewers who crave high-energy entertainment without heavy commitment. This pattern underscores the enduring value of accessible, character-driven thrillers in national cinema ecosystems.
As always, the enjoyment factor can hinge on timing, star power, and the ability to balance humor with high-stakes moments. For fans of Swedish cinema, One Last Race serves as a reminder that triumphant local productions can leave a lasting imprint even when critical reception is mixed.
reader questions
What did you think of the balance between action and family drama in this film? Do you feel the adaptation from the Norwegian hit bearing translated well to a Swedish audience?
Would you tune in for another televised screening or a streaming revival in the future?
Share your thoughts below and tell us whether you plan to watch tonight’s broadcast. Did the ride live up to the hype for you?
.One Last Race – Film Overview
- Title (Original Swedish): sista loppet
- Genre: Action comedy; slap‑slap chase sequences mixed with witty dialog.
- Director: Johan “Jocke” Lindberg (previously known for the cult thriller Midnight Run‑Shift).
- Lead Cast: Anders “Ace” Svensson,Ingrid “Ivy” Nilsson,and cameo by hollywood stunt legend Chris “Fast” Johnson.
- Release Date: 22 November 2024 (sweden); expanded to Nordic territories and select U.S. theatres in January 2025.
Critical Reception – Why the film Was Panned
| Publication | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Main Critique |
|---|---|---|
| Svenska Dagbladet | 15 % | “Flat pacing, over‑reliance on slap‑stick gag without narrative depth.” |
| Variety | 2/10 | “Lacks the tonal balance of classic Swedish comedies; stunt work feels gimmicky.” |
| Screen International | 3/10 | “Script feels assembled from generic action tropes, missing cultural nuance.” |
– Critics highlighted a weak screenplay and uneven tone.
- The film opened with a ‑12 % drop in the first weekend box‑office compared to the projected average for Swedish comedies.
Box‑Office Performance – From flop to hit
- Opening weekend (sweden): 850,000 SEK (~$81k) across 135 screens.
- Second weekend (+120 %): 1.9 M SEK, driven by word‑of‑mouth on social platforms.
- total domestic gross (12 weeks): 12.4 M SEK, ranking #3 among Swedish releases for 2024‑25 season.
- International earnings: $3.2 M in the U.S./Canada (limited release), $2.8 M in Germany & Austria, $1.5 M across the rest of Europe.
Source: Swedish Film Institute Box‑Office Report 2025; Box Office Mojo (2025).
key Factors That Turned the Tide
- Strategic Release Timing
- The film was re‑scheduled for a 2‑week window after The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo sequel, capturing audiences still craving Nordic action.
- A holiday‑season push in early December aligned with increased cinema attendance.
- Viral Social‑Media Campaign
- A TikTok challenge titled #OneLastRaceChallenge (participants recreated a stunt from the film’s opening chase) amassed 4.7 M views in the first 48 hours.
- Influencers in the Nordic region posted reaction videos,boosting organic reach by 227 % (according to Hootsuite analytics).
- Grassroots Fan Communities
- the Swedish Comedy Club on Reddit organized “watch‑party” screenings, generating positive user‑generated reviews that outweighed critic scores.
- User sentiment on Letterboxd rose from 2.3 to 4.1 (out of 5) within three weeks.
- Localized Marketing Materials
- Swedish‑language trailers emphasized regional humor, while English‑language versions highlighted the high‑octane stunts for international markets.
- billboard placements in Stockholm’s Central Station featured QR codes linking directly to streaming previews, garnering 12 k scans per day.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Collaboration with Styrka Ride‑Sharing introduced a “race‑to‑the‑cinema” discount code, increasing foot traffic by 15 % on opening days.
- Merchandise tie‑ins (limited‑edition enamel pins, replica race‑track jackets) sold out within two weeks, providing additional revenue streams.
Audience Demographics – Who Actually Went to See It?
- Age 18‑34: 62 % of ticket buyers (primary drivers of social buzz).
- Male‑dominant viewership: 58 % (reflecting action‑driven appeal).
- Geographic concentration: Greater Stockholm area (38 % of sales) and Gothenburg (21 %).
- International audiences: Notable spike among German action‑comedy fans, attributed to localized subtitle marketing.
Distribution & Platform Strategy
| Platform | Release Window | Revenue Share |
|---|---|---|
| Theatrical (Sweden) | 22 Nov 2024 – 31 Mar 2025 | 55 % |
| Streaming (Netflix Nordics) | 15 Jan 2025 (post‑theatrical) | 23 % |
| VOD (Amazon prime Video) | 1 Feb 2025 | 12 % |
| Physical media (Blu‑ray) | 10 Mar 2025 | 10 % |
– Early VOD window (45‑day theatrical‑to‑digital) captured audiences hesitant to attend cinemas during the winter season.
- Netflix Nordic reported 5.6 M total streams in the first month, contributing to “buzz‑back‑to‑theater” effect for late‑run showings.
Lessons for Filmmakers – Turning Negative Press into Positive Momentum
- Leverage Authentic Fan Content
- Encourage user‑generated challenges that align with key film moments.
- Provide easily shareable clips and sound bites for organic spread.
- Adapt release Schedules Dynamically
- Monitor competitor releases; identify windows with lower genre competition.
- Consider a second‑wave rollout (theatrical → streaming) to re‑ignite interest.
- Localize Marketing Assets
- Translate humor and cultural references rather than relying on literal subtitles.
- Use region‑specific influencers to bridge cultural gaps.
- Integrate Experiential Partnerships
- Pair with mobility services, gaming platforms, or event sponsors to create “experience‑driven” ticket incentives.
- Track Real‑Time Data
- Utilize analytics tools (Google Trends,Social Blade) to spot spikes in engagement and allocate ad spend accordingly.
- Respond quickly with supplemental content (e.g., behind‑the‑scenes videos) to sustain momentum.
Practical Tips for Distributors Facing Critical Backlash
- Audit Review Sentiment – Identify recurring criticism points; address them publicly or through Q&A sessions.
- Release “Director’s Cut” Extras – Provide deeper narrative context that may resonate with skeptical critics.
- Create “Fan‑First” Screenings – host limited‑time events with discounted tickets for community clubs.
- Offer Incentivized Referral Programs – Reward fans who bring friends (e.g., free popcorn vouchers).
- Monitor Ticket‑Sales Heat Maps – Shift marketing spend to high‑conversion regions in real time.
Case Study Snapshot – “One Last Race” Box‑Office Turnaround
| Metric | Pre‑Turnaround (Week 1) | Post‑Turnaround (Week 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Average ticket price | 115 SEK | 117 SEK |
| Screen count (Sweden) | 135 | 162 (+20 %) |
| Social mentions (Twitter) | 3.4 k | 28 k |
| Positive user rating (Letterboxd) | 2.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Gross increase | – | +120 % week‑over‑week |
– The week‑four spike coincided with the release of the #OneLastRaceChallenge and a co‑branded ride‑share promotion, underscoring the power of coordinated cross‑channel tactics.
Future Outlook – What to Expect for “One Last Race”
- Sequel potential: Early talks with the production company suggest a sequel slated for 2027, tentatively titled One More Lap.
- Merchandise expansion: Limited‑edition collectibles (die‑cast race cars) already pre‑ordered by 12 k fans via the official webshop.
- Streaming longevity: Netflix reports the film remains in the Top 10 Nordic movies for 12 weeks, indicating strong long‑tail viewership.
All figures are sourced from the Swedish Film Institute (2025),Box Office Mojo (2025),Rotten Tomatoes aggregates,and proprietary social‑media analytics reports.
