A Reel Review: THE NORTHMAN

The first two films from writer and director Robert Eggers are modern classics; starting with his Puritan-era horror flick THE WITCH (2015), followed up by his Oscar-nominated, imposing mind-twister THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019). Here in 2022, Eggers takes all that he has learned in his short career and put it into his Viking-era epic tale of revenge in THE NORTHMAN. 

 

The year is 895 BC. King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke), is murdered by his brother Fjolnir (Claes Bang), who takes his queen Gudrin (Nicole Kidman), as his own wife. Left for dead, Aurvandill’s son and rightful heir Prince Amleth (Alexander Sgarsgard), enters a life of self-exile while plotting his revenge. 

 

Loosely based on the Scandinavian legend Amleth (which later inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet), THE NORTHMAN sets itself up as a basic revenge flick; avenge the father, save the mother, reclaim the kingdom. But this tale of bloody payback takes several twists and turns and smashes expectations by going to many unexpected places. While in exile, Amleth becomes a Viking plunderer, wrestling with his own humanity while raping and pillaging hapless villages. Once he discovers the location of his traitorous uncle, he disguises himself as a prisoner of war and manages to secretly infiltrate Fjolnir’s camp…where he lives out a life of slavery while befriending Olga (Anya Taylor-Joy), and plotting his vengeance. 

 

In his past two films, Eggers found ways to dig deep into his characters and drag out their innermost thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Here, Eggers saturates his film with Norse folklore, introducing Amleth to mystical visions and otherworldly characters; speaking to seers, battling a walking skeleton for the right to claim a special weapon, and chatting with the loose head of an old ally. These creepy moments can be jarring, but they provide the vital steps Amleth needs to achieve his goal while revealing character. While THE NORTHMAN is certainly all about getting revenge, the true question is if Amleth can hold on to his humanity while doing so. 

 

This is, after all, a Viking movie…and the expected battles with swords, axes, and spears deliver ten-fold. The large-scale battles and raids are stunningly executed on a grand scale with breathtaking, endless tracking shots. As he has done with his previous works, Eggers brings out a realism that immerses the theatre; every character and place-setting feels genuine. Shot on location in Ireland, the film looks gorgeous, and the haunting and tribal score by Robin Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough adds to the atmosphere. 

 

Acting is tremendous. Alexander Sgarsgard is a hulking figure who looks awesome while whipping around his sword, and his character’s inner-struggles are never in doubt. It’s a testosterone-filled film with many grunts and yelling, but despite that…the women steal the show as Nicole Kidman and Anya Taylor-Joy are excellent. The supporting cast of Willem Dafoe and Bjork are perfect. 

 

After all the twists and turns, battles, and bloodshed…the film climaxes the only way possible; by two naked men sword fighting on the top of an active volcano. It’s a final stamp on a film that is epic in every way; in story, acting, cinematography, and fine attention to Viking lore and humanity. Robert Eggers has completed his trifecta, delivering another modern classic. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it