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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
Robert Eggers directs this epic revenge character piece while also co-writing with Sjón. The Northman stars Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe.
Minor spoilers to follow.
Plot Summary
The Northman is based on the Scandinavian legend of Amleth, which is essentially the same as the film’s story. Ethan Hawke’s King Aurvandill returns to rule his kingdom and is in turn betrayed by his brother, Claes Bang’s Fjölnir (the Brotherless). The presentation of the film’s events is interesting and noteworthy, as Eggers’ film is steeped in Viking and Norse lore, so in some ways, the film is a homage to an old language like the Vikings.
The opening of the film takes place in 895 A.D. on the island of Hrafnsey and then jumps to “years later” where we catch up with Amleth in Europe living among the Vikings there. Eventually, he encounters Björk’s Seeress who reminds him of his fate and sworn duty to his father.
The Cast of The Northman
The cast is fantastic. Anya Taylor-Joy and Alexander Skarsgård have great chemistry throughout the whole film, and Skarsgård seems to be born to play this role. His rage is crazy and it works the whole time, even when he rips out an enemy’s throat with his teeth and then howls. Even when she stands on her own, Taylor-Joy commands her scenes.
Dafoe and Hawke’s brief appearances as Heimir the Fool and King Aurvandill War-Raven, respectively, at the beginning of the film, are great for whom Amleth must become by the film’s end. Claes Bang is a fantastic villain and there’s a moment or two where you can almost empathize with Fjölnir.
However, the focus shifts back to Amleth and you crave revenge once more. The plot slows a little bit in the middle but it picks back up when Act Three begins.
The Elements of the Film
The cinematography, handled by regular Eggers collaborator Jarin Blaschke, is outstanding, which is no surprise considering Eggers’ previous films. He is definitely one of the biggest auteurs in the film industry right now and The Northman is another impressive addition to his resume. The shots are massive and you’re shifted into this infinite landscape with Amleth on his journey. There are several shots that are really smooth and the action is always directly hit on-screen. The cuts in the film, few and far between, are swift and quick. They’re only used when needed, which is great. There’s a sporting event in the film as well and the way in which it was shot is impressive and noteworthy. The sound mixing and editing of the film were great as well; everything was just so smooth.
Final Thoughts on The Northman
Now, I must say this: if you go into this movie with the expectation that you’re getting an almost three-hour Viking epic, you aren’t. Yes, it is an epic film — when the credits rolled my head went to stories like Beowulf and Sir Gawain — but at its core, the movie is a character piece through and through. Skarsgård is the best part of The Northman, and if you’ve enjoyed Eggers’s previous films, you will enjoy this one. Die-hards might put this film below The Lighthouse, but I digress.
Go into this one like you would Taxi Driver or There Will Be Blood, both great films too; but you would be disappointed if you expect Vikings the TV show put on the big screen for nearly three hours. The lore and backdrop are there, but at the center of the film is Amleth and his quest, not necessarily that he’s a Viking (or Northman). However, if you want to see Alexander Skarsgård royally mess up some fools that deserve it, you’ll thoroughly enjoy it.
Eggers continues his streak with this one and it really works for the type of film he wanted to make. There’s a moment at the end where you very briefly get Duel of the Fates vibes, which was cool. Otherwise, The Northman delivers in every aspect.
5/5 stars.
The Northman is playing in theatres everywhere, so go see it! Don’t forget to give TCS a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where you’ll always have complete coverage of the newest films and TV shows releasing soon!
Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
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