Headhunters
"The hunt is on."
Roger Brown is a successful headhunter who leads a flashy life built on risk and deception. By day he scouts top executives, by night he gambles with timing and cover stories to fund his opulent lifestyle. His latest scheme targets a priceless painting owned by Clas Greve, a former mercenary with... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 24, 2026
About Headhunters
Roger Brown is a successful headhunter who leads a flashy life built on risk and deception. By day he scouts top executives, by night he gambles with timing and cover stories to fund his opulent lifestyle. His latest scheme targets a priceless painting owned by Clas Greve, a former mercenary with a guarded past. Brown believes the plan will pay off without exposing his true identity, yet the venture pulls in rival players and dangerous secrets. The chase tightens and the balance between hunter and prey shifts with each move. The film sustains brisk momentum through sharp editing, stylish visuals, and tight dialogue, keeping the tension high without revealing every twist. The tension never falters and the pace stays taut.
Directed by Morten Tyldum and released in 2011, Headhunters adapts Jo Nesbos acclaimed thriller Headhunters for the screen. The Norwegian crime drama pairs a polished gallery world with hard edged suspense, anchored by Aksel Hennie in a strong lead performance.
Box Office: The film grossed approximately 18,962,444 dollars worldwide, a solid return for a Norwegian crime thriller. Its global appeal demonstrated that Nordic noir centered around stylish heists can attract audiences beyond language barriers. It resonated across European markets worldwide.
It helped boost Nordic crime thrillers on international screens with its sleek look and brisk pace. The cat and mouse chase between thief and protector of art became a reference point for stylish genre entries, signaling that Norwegian cinema could compete for attention beyond regional audiences. It opened doors worldwide.
Reception and themes: Critics praised the film for its tight pacing, visual flair, and dark humor that spices the thriller elements. It probes greed and identity through a double life, showing how risk management can backfire. The story examines trust, consequence, and the price of art theft for the characters.
Details
- Release Date
- August 26, 2011
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 1,330 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Thriller, Crime, Action
- Country
- Germany
- Studio
- Nordisk Film Denmark +4 more
- Box Office
- $18,962,444
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Aksel Hennie
Roger Brown
Synnøve Macody Lund
Diana Brown
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Clas Greve
Julie R. Ølgaard
Lotte
Kyrre Haugen Sydness
Lander
Valentina Alexeeva
Natasja
Reidar Sørensen
Brede Sperre
Eivind Sander
Ove Kjikerud
Nils Jørgen Kaalstad
Stig
Joachim Rafaelsen
Brugd
Director: Morten Tyldum
Written by: Ulf Rydberg, Lars Gudmestad, Jo Nesbø