The Northman is a daring Norse epic that is going to be one for the ages. A movie that will have viewers truly struggling to find the bad.
Over the course of the last ten years, Robert Eggers has created some of the most atmospheric, unique, and creative visions. His third film, The Northman, debuts in theaters and this is the type of movie that reminds you why you love film.
What Works For The Northman
There is so much to say but so much to love about The Northman. The biggest praise you can give the film starts with the mastermind behind the masterpiece. That is Robert Eggers — a filmmaker who has already proven to give atmospheric visions but now gets his biggest one yet. Bringing to life the world of Vikings and the Norse mythology, he infuses a light that just continues to grow and become something stunning throughout its entire runtime. My jaw continued to drop, my eyes continued to be in shock at the sheer magnitude that Eggers was able to bring to life here.
Like I mentioned earlier this is a movie that reminds you of why you love film — but this will also become a movie that brings in others to view and find out why the film might be a part of their future. Either as a critic, a lover of cinema, or someone who might feel inspired to create their own visions. It is very rare for a director to bring about such historically accurate manners and make you feel like you have been transported back to the historical time it is taking you back to but the Northman excels in this in so many ways.
The night scenes especially are created in a captivating way that I haven’t witnessed in a while. One particular scene is our main character jumping into a boat and having a showdown for the ages. Plus don’t even get me started with the final 20 minutes what a showdown. Layering in as well the production design, costume design and even the amazing score all brings everything to life for one hell of an epic.
Egger’s talent is shown in every way and if this film is not up for the Oscars in 2023 what a shame it will be. Adding in the performances truly are the soul of it all, If Eggers is the beating heart of this creation the performances are the piece that brings it to life and puts the cherry on top. Alexander Skarsgard has proven how great of an actor he is but this might be his best performance yet. Physically transforming into a beast of vengeance he is able to bring this sense of dread but urgency to his mission.
The death in his eyes is gone and a nice touch from Eggers shows him as a young boy and then this monster that he became after the death of his father. Nicole Kidman of course stuns, Claes Bang is scary but brilliant, and Ethan Hawke just showcases his amazing talents. Next to Skarsgard is Anya Taylor-Joy who once again proves why she is one of the best actresses working right now. Daring and heartfelt her performance is one of the biggest pieces of Skarsgard’s character.
What Doesn’t Work With The Northman
As I have no cons the only two things that stuck out to me were how familiar the story came out to be. For a majority of it, it is very reminiscent of Shakespeare which might bother some. As well if you watched the trailers much of the film I feel was spoiled in much of the marketing.
Final Thoughts On The Northman
The Northman is everything the trailers set up and more. A daring Norse epic that is going to be one for the ages. The Northman reminds you why movies are awesome and needed for our culture. I fell in love with this film more and more as it went on and it truly is going to be one that blows many people away in its structure, directing, and even performances. You are not ready for the final 30 minutes but when it goes down you will be in shock and awe.
Grade: A+
NEXT: Vikings: Valhalla Season 1 Review
About The Northman
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy’s mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who raids Slavic villages. He soon meets a seeress who reminds him of his vow — save his mother, kills his uncle, avenge his father.
