Visionary director Robert Eggers brings audiences one of the most epic and action-packed historical dramas that is raw, brutal and takes the story into a revenge tale that is mixed with a supernatural nordic tone.
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father (Ethan Hawke) is brutally murdered by his uncle (Claes Bang), who kidnaps the boy’s mother (Nicole Kidman). Two decades later, Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) is now a Viking who raids Slavic villages. He soon meets a seeress who reminds him of his vow — save his mother, kill his uncle, avenge his father.
Robert Eggars is probably one of the best directors making historical fiction in Hollywood today. I haven’t seen anyone who could really match this level of immersion that Eggars provides. The Northman truly transports you into the past to a world that feels very alien, but at the same time also feels deeply human. This film perfectly depicts the Viking Age, not just with the people and the culture, but with their cosmology and mysticism.
Eggars knows how to capture people from different eras and still manages to remind us that we’re not so different from them, The Northman doesn’t romanticize Vikings in any way but shows us the casual brutality and cruelty of these seafaring conquerors.
Those who expected a lot of action might be a little disappointed. I personally enjoyed the limited, small-scale story as it emphasizes the human drama and allows us to really get to know the characters, and also grants us the opportunity to explore this time period. It’s actually pretty remarkable for a film to build a world so well, but also deliver a compelling story.
The performances from the entire cast were phenomenal and their dedication and incredible attention to detail kept me engaged throughout the movie. What really stood out for me was the subtle complexity of the story. Skarsgard’s character is the person we follow, so we emphasize with him, but how different is he really compared to the villain? This film makes you question the typical narrative and you realize that in a world of raiding and pillaging, what makes a man “good” or “bad” is his honor. Of course, none of this would be possible without the gorgeous cinematography, set designs, and costumes to transport you.
Overall, The Northman is probably one of the best Viking tales I’ve seen in a while. The pace of the film may be a bit slow for some people, but it still manages to keep you engaged throughout the story. The Northman is a loud, bloody, dirty, wet, and often disturbing movie, but it’s such a good movie. So, take that for what it’s worth and go experience Robert Eggars’ latest visionary masterpiece.
The Northman is now playing only in theaters.
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