Premise and Core Themes

The Norwegian series “Rebound,” which premiered at Canneseries, begins with a dramatic twist on the typical romantic trope. Rather than a charming meet-cute, it opens with a devastating breakup that completely changes the direction of its protagonist’s life.

Mathilde Storm stars as Alex, a young woman returning home from a trip to Bali, enthusiastically anticipating reconciling with her on-and-off boyfriend, Mikkel. However, in a shocking turn of events, he ends their relationship during an intimate moment, paralleling the memorable moment from “Sex and the City”: “You are breaking up with me while you’re still inside of me?!”

Insight from the Creator

Creator Melike Leblebicioglu Kaveh emphasizes the importance of honesty in storytelling. She stated, “It was very important to be very honest, right from the start, and to ‘trick’ the viewer a little. You think this reunion’s going to be romantic and it’s the opposite. The first episode really captures what the whole show’s about.”

Kaveh reflects on her personal experiences with breakups and how they informed her writing: “Obviously, I’ve been through it as well. A big breakup was my first real trauma. You feel so isolated, things just spin out of control.”

Rebounds: Deceptive Relief?

After her breakup, Alex’s support system encourages her to seek a rebound rather than wallow in sorrow. Her friend Sara advises her to forget Mikkel, alluding to a common coping mechanism following a breakup. Kaveh illustrates the nuanced dynamics of rebound relationships: “Sometimes, you know you’re rebounding. Other times, we start projecting things onto someone… But they have their own story and their own problems.”

She notes that while rebounds can occasionally lead to genuine connections, they often serve as a means to circumvent the necessary pain one must confront: “This ‘rebound’ can be your next true love. But most of the time, it’s a destructive way of avoiding pain you need to face.”

Production and Direction

“Rebound” features a talented cast that includes Maria Wiik, Oddgeir Thune, and Arjan Nilsen, directed by Daniel Fahre and produced by Fenomen Studios for Null47. Beta Film manages sales and has released an exclusive trailer shared with Variety.

A Modern Take on Relationships

Kaveh has experience with youth-focused narratives, previously working on shows like “17” and “Norwegian-ish.” She expresses the necessity of understanding contemporary youth culture for relevance in her writing: “I made something five years ago, and their slang or the realities of dating are already so different.”

This series adapts to the modern landscape, showcasing how technology impacts relationships: “You can try to isolate yourself, but you can’t – not really. You’ll stalk someone online, get jealous of other people. All without leaving your room.” Kaveh finds value in the shorter episode lengths, appealing to younger audiences who prefer quick, engaging content: “There’s been a lot of research on how younger audiences like shorter videos.”

Universal Themes of Heartbreak

Despite targeting a younger demographic, Kaveh believes “Rebound” addresses timeless emotional experiences that resonate across age groups: “The feelings that come with a breakup, they’re the same. It’s just the details that change.”

Understanding that personal growth often follows heartbreak, she reflects, “Once you have some distance, you look back and see that what happened was for the best. As you get older, you know you’re going to get through it.”

Future Projects and Aspirations

Kaveh remains open to exploring themes closer to her own life experiences. She expresses interest in stories that delve into cultural identity, especially her background as a Turkish individual living in Norway, while still engaging with younger audiences. “I love interacting with younger viewers,” she concluded.

With “Rebound,” viewers can anticipate a compelling exploration of modern relationships and the complexities of moving on after heartbreak.