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New Netflix thriller hit the Top 10 films list in 55 countries in its first week

Published Sep 2nd, 2022 6:12PM EDT
loving adults netflix
Image: Netflix

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Netflix’s first Danish-language film, Loving Adults, has just debuted on the streamer — and, based on the early data, looks to have come storming right out of the gate.

The movie, which is #3 on Netflix in the US today, is also the #1 non-English Netflix film worldwide at the moment. That’s based on Netflix’s latest global Top 10 figures, which show that Loving Adults (from director Barbara Rothenborg) garnered 17.4 million hours of viewing time worldwide during the 7-day period that ended on August 28.

And here’s the even more impressive part: In its first week of release? The movie — about a married couple who seem to have it all, until a betrayal of sorts — hit the streamer’s Top 10 films list in a whopping 55 countries during its first week of release.

Loving Adults Netflix movie

At the center of the Loving Adults story are the characters of Christian (Dar Salim) and Leonora (Sonja Richter). They have a son — and, seemingly, the perfect life together. What’s more, their son has just been given a clean bill of health after fighting a long-time illness. In other words, the future for everyone seems to be looking bright.

READ MORE: A closer look at the 5 movies dominating Netflix around the world

loving adults netflix
“Loving Adults” was the #1 non-English Netflix movie worldwide for the 7-day period that ended on August 28. Image source: Andreas Bastiansen/Netflix

That is, until Leonora sees her husband in the company of a younger woman. She’s an architect named Xenia, and Christian is with her at a party held by his company. The movie thus starts to feel like one of the oldest stories in the book. Except, that is, for the fact that Leonara makes a decision right there on the spot. The woman who gave up her career for love decides that she’s not going to be the woman left behind.

“To me, Loving Adults is a dark and twisted, thrilling yet sexy film about what terrible things we men and women can end up doing to each other, if pushed too far,” Rothenborg says in Netflix’s press material for the movie. “It’s about the very thin line between love and hate — and how jealousy and bitterness can bring out the worst in all of us.”

loving adults netflix
A production still from the Netflix movie “Loving Adults.” Image source: Andreas Bastiansen/Netflix

Ratings and reaction

Loving Adults currently has a 64% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of the time of this writing. “Loving Adults on Netflix is literally the best damn movie I’ve (seen) in a long time,” one Twitter user raved. “It just released yesterday, y’all go watch it.” Added another: “Has anyone watched Loving Adults on Netflix? COMPLETELY UNHINGED. 12/10 would recommend.”

The film, we should also add, is based on the novel Kærlighed for Voksne by Anna Ekberg.

“With an unpredictable and fascinating story about love, jealousy, and sacrifice — and a team of some of Denmark’s most prominent talents, led by Barbara Rothenborg and her unique visual style — we’re confident that our members will be gripped by our first Danish language feature film,” said Lina Brouneus, director co-production & acquisition EMEA at Netflix.


More Netflix coverage: For more Netflix news, check out the latest new Netflix movies and series to watch.

Andy Meek Trending News Editor

Andy Meek is a reporter based in Memphis who has covered media, entertainment, and culture for over 20 years. His work has appeared in outlets including The Guardian, Forbes, and The Financial Times, and he’s written for BGR since 2015. Andy's coverage includes technology and entertainment, and he has a particular interest in all things streaming.

Over the years, he’s interviewed legendary figures in entertainment and tech that range from Stan Lee to John McAfee, Peter Thiel, and Reed Hastings.