LevelK Teams Up with SF Studios for the Gritty Crime Thriller ‘Torpedo’ by Frederik Louis Hviid and Tobias Lindholm
LevelK Secures Sales on Frederik Louis Hviid’s Thriller ‘Torpedo’
Copenhagen-based sales company LevelK has announced its involvement in the sales of the highly anticipated thriller Torpedo, co-written by Frederik Louis Hviid and Tobias Lindholm. The film explores the troubling phenomenon known as "torpedoes," young individuals manipulated by organized crime gangs to carry out illicit activities.
The partnership between LevelK and SF Studio, a leading Nordic film and television entity, marks a significant collaboration, with Marcella Dichmann serving as the lead producer.
Set in contemporary Denmark, Torpedo follows 16-year-old Kian, who naively believes he has found a shortcut to financial success and status within gang circles. However, his first assignment takes him to Copenhagen, where he is faced with the grim reality of being ordered to execute a stranger within 24 hours—a choice that will not only affect him but also place his family’s safety in jeopardy.
Hviid remarks on the rapid rise of "torpedoes" across Europe, noting that this troubling trend is relatively new yet has expanded quickly. In April 2025, Swedish authorities initiated Operation Grimm, a comprehensive international effort coordinated with Europol and ten European nations, which resulted in 280 arrests in its first year. Despite these actions, the recruitment of youth into violent organized crime continues to escalate.
“It has been important to understand what happens when violence is perpetrated by young people who have not chosen to do so and who cannot comprehend the consequences of their actions,” Hviid stated. He emphasized that such themes have rarely been explored in Danish cinema, necessitating thorough research to ensure authenticity in Torpedo. He praised Lindholm, whom he regards as a pivotal voice in Danish film, for his collaboration in bringing depth and realism to the project.
Lindholm expressed his admiration for Hviid’s vision, describing the film as a reflection of the darker aspects of the Danish dream and a rare opportunity to shed light on the youth trapped in the false promises of crime.
Hviid gained international attention with his debut feature film Shorta, which premiered during the Venice Critics’ Week and garnered widespread sales. He has since established himself as one of Denmark’s most uncompromising directors, earning accolades for his recent projects, including the award-winning series Prisoner and The Quiet Ones, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
Lindholm, a celebrated screenwriter and director, is known for his contributions to Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar-winning Another Round and The Commune. His directorial work includes A Hijacking and the Netflix project The Good Nurse, featuring Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne.
Tine Klint, CEO of LevelK, praised the creative synergy between Hviid and Lindholm, highlighting their ability to transform fear and split-second decisions into compelling cinematic moments. She further commended Hviid’s distinctive voice as a director, noting his capacity to immerse audiences in the story without moralizing or oversimplifying.
Dichmann added that Torpedo emerges from a deep concern for children and adolescents. “It is a painful story, but a necessary one,” she stated. As both a producer and a mother, she aims to foster reflection and understanding, acknowledging that while it is a work of fiction, it resonates closely with the harsh realities faced by many in today’s world. Her ambition is to create a poignant and thrilling film that lingers with viewers long after their experience in the theater.
