The Reckoning
When the past resurfaces, the reckoning can no longer be escaped
Plot Summary
When a former school class gathers for a reunion on a remote archipelago island in the winter of 2001, the party becomes the beginning of a night of paranoia and death. A storm intensifies, the ice lies treacherous, and no one can escape. As old memories and grievances resurface, the group begins to break apart from within.
The Reckoning is a parallel film to Final Reunion – the same place, the same night, but seen from another perspective. Through new eyes, a hidden story emerges in the shadows of the first: a tale of grief, obsession, and the darkness that has long waited to surface.
Here, questions left unanswered are finally addressed – who manipulated the events, why certain actions had to take place, and what deeper force drove the tragedy. At the same time, new mysteries arise, reshaping our understanding of what really happened.
Status – Development
The project is in dialogue with Swedish and international production companies, with a focus on Nordic and European co-production.
Key Facts
• Both feature screenplays have been completed in Swedish and English.
• Developed as a connected two-feature duology.
• Novel adaptations in parallel development.
• Internationally recognised through repeated high-level placements:
Final Reunion has been a finalist in two international screenplay competitions, The Reckoning has been a finalist in three and has also won an international screenplay award. Producer Overview
Director Overview
Part of a connected duology
The Reckoning is one half of a two-film narrative exploring the same night from opposing perspectives.
The Reckoning is a parallel film to Final Reunion – the same place, the same night, but seen from another perspective. Through new eyes, a hidden story emerges in the shadows of the first: a tale of grief, obsession, and the darkness that has long waited to surface.
Here, questions left unanswered are finally addressed – who manipulated the events, why certain actions had to take place, and what deeper force drove the tragedy. At the same time, new mysteries arise, reshaping our understanding of what really happened.
Status – Development
The project is in dialogue with Swedish and international production companies, with a focus on Nordic and European co-production.
Key Facts
• Both feature screenplays have been completed in Swedish and English.
• Developed as a connected two-feature duology.
• Novel adaptations in parallel development.
• Internationally recognised through repeated high-level placements:
Final Reunion has been a finalist in two international screenplay competitions, The Reckoning has been a finalist in three and has also won an international screenplay award. Producer Overview
Director Overview
Part of a connected duology
The Reckoning is one half of a two-film narrative exploring the same night from opposing perspectives.
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About the Writer
Staffan von Zeipel is a Swedish screenwriter focused on psychological thrillers and grounded speculative fiction. With a background in storytelling, communications, and visual design, he creates emotionally resonant and high-concept screenplays for an international audience.
He is the creator of the Nordic noir duology Final Reunion / The Reckoning, available in both Swedish and English, with a U.S. cut titled No Way Back.
The duology has been developed as a cohesive international film project with a clear co-production strategy.
The Nevada Battle is his first English-language feature project.