Watch The Simple Heist

The Simple Heist is a Swedish crime-comedy television show that aired on Acorn TV from 2017 to 2019. The show revolves around two middle-aged women who decide to rob a bank after having had enough of their mundane lives. Lillian (Sissela Kyle) and Inger (Lotta Tejle) are two very different women who share a similar sense of dissatisfaction with their lives. Lillian is a timid, reserved woman who married into money and lives in a beautiful house in one of Stockholm's nicest neighborhoods. However, her husband is distant and unfaithful, and her only companion is her beloved cat. On the other hand, Inger is a loud and brash woman who has always lived paycheck to paycheck. She is constantly on the verge of losing her job and is haunted by her past mistakes.

One day, as Lillian is sitting in her car outside the bank where her husband works, she witnesses a robbery. To her surprise, the robbers escape with ease, and she realizes that it would be easy to rob the bank herself. Lillian confides in Inger the following day, and after some convincing, the two women make a plan to rob the bank.

As inexperienced criminals, Lillian and Inger resort to comically ineffective methods to prepare for their heist, including watching YouTube videos and trying to convince a Bank customer service employee to give them advice. Despite their shortcomings, Lillian and Inger manage to pull off the heist with surprising ease. However, their actions have consequences, and they soon find themselves in over their heads.

The comedic aspect of The Simple Heist is most evident in the dynamic between Lillian and Inger. Sissela Kyle and Lotta Tejle give delightful performances as their characters navigate their newfound criminality. Lillian's nervousness and Inger's brashness make for a perfect odd couple. Their personalities complement each other in the most bizarre way, which inevitably leads to some hilarious misadventures.

The show does not rely solely on the humor factor, though. There are plenty of thrilling moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The heist itself is executed with precision and tension, making for a nail-biting moment in the plot. Additionally, the consequences of their actions create a more dramatic storyline, adding to the show's appeal.

Aside from the two main characters, the supporting cast is excellent as well. Tomas von Bromssen has a standout role as Inger's estranged father, who's trying to make amends for past mistakes. Simon J. Berger is also effective as Peter, a police detective who is hot on their trail. His investigative work is hindered by his own personal struggles, which add an additional layer to his character.

Finally, the show should be appreciated for its depiction of older women taking control of their lives. The two protagonists may not be your typical bank robbers, but they are two women who have decided to break free from the monotony of their lives and take a risk. It is refreshing to see older women taking on a usually male-dominated narrative, and the show does not shy away from their age or gender. In fact, it makes it part of their charm.

In conclusion, The Simple Heist is a delightful watch that is equal parts comedy and thriller. The combination of witty humor, thrilling moments, and excellent acting makes for a show worth binge-watching. It's also a refreshing change to see older women take the lead in a usually male-dominated plot.

The Simple Heist is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on November 15, 2017.