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“I was actually impressed with Johan Söderqvist’s music at the denouement when it was neither sentimental nor jingoistic, but simply contemplative instead.” (Ready Steady Cut)

Held for Ransom (Johan Söderqvist)

Original score from the 2019 drama feature film directed by Niels Arden Oplev and Anders W. Berthelsen, starring Toby Kebbell, Charlie Carrick and Esben Smed, produced by Toolbox Film and released by Samuel Goldwyn Films (USA).

THE STORY: The story of Danish photographer Daniel Rye, who was captured by ISIS in Syria in 2013 and held hostage for 398 days.

THE SCORE: The score places a lot of emphasis on character and tension with a dose of Oriental and Middle Eastern influences to reflect on the setting. The toolbox includes electronic textures and live instrument overlays to represent the war torn country of Syria, rising moments of tension for the minutes leading up to ‘The Execution’ and serene moments of a small ensemble for ‘Daniel’s Dream’. Even though the score has its fair share of tense cues fit for a hostage thriller, the more hopeful moments, including the lengthy end credits piece ‘Do You See the Moon, Daniel?, highlight some melodic beauty that’s harder to find within the genre.

THE COMPOSER: Johan Söderqvist is one of the busiest and most successful Scandinavian composers. He has collaborated on a regular basis with Danish director Susanne Bier for whom he scored Brothers (2004) the Oscar-nominated After the Wedding (2006), the Oscar-winning In a Better World (2010) and the romantic comedy Love Is All You Need (2012) – the latter two albums were released by MovieScore Media. His other credits include the Oscar-nominated Kon-Tiki (2014), the British/American horror The Limehouse Golem (2016) and the cult classic vampire film Let the Right One In (2008), another MSM release. His most recent releases on MovieScore Media include the historical drama Amundsen (2019) and The King’s Choice (2016), Norway’s official submission to the 88th Academy Awards.

MMS21073 HELD FOR RANSOM (Ser du månen, Daniel?) (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Music Composed by JOHAN SÖDERQVIST
Release date (digital): October 29, 2021

Johan Söderqvist on MovieScore Media

Drama Music on MovieScore Media