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The Northman is a 2022 historical action drama film written and directed by Robert Eggers. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Willem Dafoe. ‘The Northman’ is loosely based on and inspired by the story of Amleth, an alleged Viking prince that was the basis for William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
‘The Northman’: Movie Review
In 1895, King Aurvandill War-Raven returns back to his kingdom off the island of Hrafnsey. Aurvandill is reunited with his wife, Queen Gudrun, and their son Prince Amleth, the heir to his throne. Amleth and his father have a close bond, with the King preparing his son for his future of royalty in unique ways. During a walk together, the father and son are ambushed by hooded figures who are later revealed to be led by Aurvandill’s brother Fjolnir. The king is beheaded while Amleth is able to escape out to sea after cutting off the nose of one of Fjolnir’s men.
Years later it is revealed that Amleth was found by Vikings who raised him as a berserker. During a village raid, Amleth finds a Seeress in the temple of Svetovit. She reveals that Fjolnir was overthrown by Harald of Norway and now lives in exile with his fallen kingdom in Iceland. Amleth disguises himself as a slave and boards a ship headed to Fjolnir’s land. During the trip, Amleth meets a Slavic slave named Olga who claims to be a sorceress. They quickly strike up a mutual interest in one another in the process. The ship arrives as Amleth finds a way to put himself in a position to avenge his father’s death.
Quick Summary
Robert Eggers is an interesting filmmaker whose movies are not for everyone. There are those who love Eggers and hold him as one of the best working directors today. Others find his films too abstract and pretentious, failing to deliver a meaningful product. In ‘The Northman,’ Eggers tells his most linear story to date while doing so with a backdrop that is reflective of his filmmaking style. The 2hr 17mins runtime is paced well, with only rare moments that could have been tightened up.
The cinematography by Jarin Blaschke highlights the visual tone created by Eggers, with a score by Robin Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough that compliments the visuals well. The acting across the board is also stellar. Alexander Skarsgård carries the film from beginning to end in a convincing fashion in the lead role. In addition, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, and Any Taylor-Joy all deliver their supporting roles well.
Ending: With Spoilers
In the film’s third act, Amleth gains enough trust with Fjolnir that he is able to make a move. Amleth kills many people close to Fjonir, including his oldest son Thorir the Proud. After revealing his identity to his mother Queen Gudrun, Amleth is shocked to find out that she ordered the death of his father. Gudrun admits that she hated Aurvandill and conspired with Fjolnir to commit his murder. In a rage, Amleth offers the heart of Thorir to Fjonir in exchange for Olga’s freedom.
While escaping on a ship with Olga, Amleth has second thoughts and realizes he must fulfill his destiny. Olga reveals she is pregnant with twins, but Amleth jumps off the ship and swims back to the island. In an epic conclusion, the two men battle with an erupting volcano as the backdrop. As they both cling to their lives, Fjolnur stabs Amleth throughout the heart but is decapitated in the process. Amleth dies as his final vision sees him ascending to Valhalla while Olga embraces their twins.
‘The Northman’: Movie Thoughts
Going into ‘The Northman’ I had my reservations. I was previously mixed on Eggers’ films. I enjoyed ‘The Lighthouse’ as an arthouse curiosity, but didn’t get the ‘The Witch.’ With minimal expectations, I made my way to an AMC theater to see the film in Dolby Digital sitting in a reclining seat. For the better part of the next two and a half hours, I was engaged and on the of my seat. Eggers’ finally fully won me over with a film and it seems like I’m not alone.
‘The Northman’ is currently sitting with an 89 percent critics score, while the audience score is settled in at 70 percent. Though the blood and Viking violence could have been amped up for a story like this, it doesn’t take away from the overall impact. Check out ‘The Northman’ with open expectations and enjoy the ride. Highly recommended. 4.5 out of 5.