The Northman (2022)
“I will avenge you, Father! I will save you, Mother! I will kill you, Fjolnir!” – Amleth.
The Northman (2022)
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Written by: Robert Eggers, Sjón
Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe
When a young Viking prince, Amleth (Skarsgard) watches his father get murdered, he is forced to flee and start a new life. Years later, the rightful King returns to free his mother and avenge his father.
I made a video a few months ago about the slow death of ‘Historical Epics’, and the fact that Hollywood seems hesitant to finance original historical stories. Gladiator, Troy, King Arthur – the popularity of the genre has slowly dwindled since the early 2000s, with Ridley Scott’s 2021 box-office-disaster The Last Duel doing nothing to reassure the industry. Well, here’s a 70 million dollar Icelandic revenge flick – Robert Eggers first true ‘mainstream movie’ – and it’s pretty bloody good.
And when I say ‘bloody’ good, I mean BLOODY. Eggers pulls no punches with the brutality of the action, tapping into mythical tales of crazed Viking berserkers who pillaged and plundered with the dream of dying in battle. The deaths are gory and cruel, with the vicious masculinity of Viking men driving fear (and swords) into the hearts of their enemies.
Having said this, if you’re coming in expecting balls-to-the-wall combat à la Zack Snyder’s 300, you’ll be a little disappointed. Outside of an opening invasion scene, there is very little action, with Eggers more interested in exploring the mystical Nordic rituals, gods and values. Succession, loyalty, and the gendered hierarchy of Viking society (pro-tip: you didn’t want to be a woman) are presented against some beautiful sets and backdrops, with Eggers commissioning the construction of three whole villages and numerous Viking ships to truly immerse you in the world.
Stacked with impressive character actors, Skarsgard is brilliant as the hot-headed, hulking Amleth, somehow inviting empathy for a character who yells ridiculous lines like “I’m a hailstorm of vengeance and steel!” The supporting cast of Taylor-Joy, Kidman and Claes are equally impressive. Unfortunately the films biggest letdown is the predictability of Amleth’s journey, with his one-dimensional personality leading to only one conclusion.
For context, The Northman cost as much money as Marvel’s latest offering, Morbius. However, unlike Morbius, it’s not a completely unintelligible CGI garbage fire. Instead, Eggers has produced a gorgeous, immersive adventure with an engaging original story. Unfortunately this will likely not make it’s budget back, while the objectively shit Morbius has fallen ass-backwards into $150 million. So….PLEASE. If you’re interested in seeing more historical movies, go and support this at the theatre. It’s well worth it.
Rating: 8/10