The Northman (2022)
Director Robert Eggers’ The Northman is an ambitious and brutal Viking epic that explores themes of vengeance, destiny, and the cyclical nature of violence. Drawing from the legend of Amleth—an inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet—the film immerses its audience in a raw and mythic world, delivering a visceral and visually arresting experience.
Plot Overview
Set in 10th-century Scandinavia, the story follows Prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), who witnesses the murder of his father, King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke), at the hands of his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang). After fleeing as a young boy, Amleth grows into a hulking berserker, consumed by a single purpose: to avenge his father, save his mother Queen Gudrún (Nicole Kidman), and kill Fjölnir.
His quest brings him to Fjölnir’s farmstead in Iceland, where he adopts a disguise to infiltrate his uncle’s domain. Along the way, he forges an alliance with Olga (Anya Taylor-Joy), a Slavic sorceress, who becomes both his lover and spiritual guide. The narrative unfolds through a blend of grounded realism and mythological elements, blurring the line between the tangible and the supernatural.
Direction and Cinematography
Eggers, known for his meticulous attention to historical detail in films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, brings the same rigor to The Northman. From its rugged landscapes to its period-accurate costumes and sets, the film feels authentic and immersive. Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke captures the stark beauty and brutality of the Viking world, with sweeping shots of volcanic plains and hauntingly atmospheric interiors.
The action sequences are unflinchingly brutal, yet choreographed with precision. One standout scene involves a berserker raid on a Slavic village, shot in a single, continuous take that showcases Amleth’s ferocity. These moments are contrasted with surreal dream sequences and ritualistic imagery, underscoring the film’s mythic underpinnings.
Performances
Alexander Skarsgård delivers a physically and emotionally intense performance as Amleth. His transformation from a grieving boy to a vengeful warrior is compelling, and his portrayal captures both the character’s animalistic rage and moments of vulnerability. Nicole Kidman is equally impressive, particularly in a pivotal, unsettling scene that redefines Amleth’s understanding of his family’s past.
Anya Taylor-Joy brings a mystical allure to Olga, balancing her character’s pragmatism with an ethereal quality. Claes Bang is effective as Fjölnir, portraying the antagonist not as a one-dimensional villain but as a man grappling with his own choices and consequences. Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, though in smaller roles, leave memorable impressions as the King and the court jester/shaman, respectively.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, The Northman is a meditation on the destructive nature of vengeance. Amleth’s relentless pursuit of his “fate” raises questions about free will versus destiny, and whether the cycle of violence can ever truly be broken. The film also delves into themes of masculinity and power, exploring how societal expectations shape the protagonist’s identity.
Eggers weaves Norse mythology throughout the narrative, with frequent references to Odin, Valkyries, and the Yggdrasil tree. These elements add a layer of spiritual resonance, making the story feel like a saga passed down through generations.
Critique
While The Northman is a technical and artistic achievement, its unrelenting focus on its grim and violent world may not appeal to all viewers. The pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the second act, and the heavy use of symbolism and mythology might feel opaque to those unfamiliar with Norse traditions. However, these choices are consistent with Eggers’ auteur vision, prioritizing authenticity and atmosphere over mainstream accessibility.
Conclusion
The Northman is a bold and uncompromising work that solidifies Robert Eggers as one of contemporary cinema’s most visionary directors. It is a film that demands patience and engagement, rewarding viewers with a richly textured exploration of revenge, fate, and humanity’s primal instincts. For those willing to embrace its stark brutality and mythic scope, The Northman offers an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Rating: 4/5
Review: The Northman (2022)
Director Robert Eggers’ The Northman is an ambitious and brutal Viking epic that explores themes of vengeance, destiny, and the cyclical nature of violence. Drawing from the legend of Amleth—an inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet—the film immerses its audience in a raw and mythic world, delivering a visceral and visually arresting experience.
Plot Overview
Set in 10th-century Scandinavia, the story follows Prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), who witnesses the murder of his father, King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke), at the hands of his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang). After fleeing as a young boy, Amleth grows into a hulking berserker, consumed by a single purpose: to avenge his father, save his mother Queen Gudrún (Nicole Kidman), and kill Fjölnir.
His quest brings him to Fjölnir’s farmstead in Iceland, where he adopts a disguise to infiltrate his uncle’s domain. Along the way, he forges an alliance with Olga (Anya Taylor-Joy), a Slavic sorceress, who becomes both his lover and spiritual guide. The narrative unfolds through a blend of grounded realism and mythological elements, blurring the line between the tangible and the supernatural.
Direction and Cinematography
Eggers, known for his meticulous attention to historical detail in films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, brings the same rigor to The Northman. From its rugged landscapes to its period-accurate costumes and sets, the film feels authentic and immersive. Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke captures the stark beauty and brutality of the Viking world, with sweeping shots of volcanic plains and hauntingly atmospheric interiors.
The action sequences are unflinchingly brutal, yet choreographed with precision. One standout scene involves a berserker raid on a Slavic village, shot in a single, continuous take that showcases Amleth’s ferocity. These moments are contrasted with surreal dream sequences and ritualistic imagery, underscoring the film’s mythic underpinnings.
Performances
Alexander Skarsgård delivers a physically and emotionally intense performance as Amleth. His transformation from a grieving boy to a vengeful warrior is compelling, and his portrayal captures both the character’s animalistic rage and moments of vulnerability. Nicole Kidman is equally impressive, particularly in a pivotal, unsettling scene that redefines Amleth’s understanding of his family’s past.
Anya Taylor-Joy brings a mystical allure to Olga, balancing her character’s pragmatism with an ethereal quality. Claes Bang is effective as Fjölnir, portraying the antagonist not as a one-dimensional villain but as a man grappling with his own choices and consequences. Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, though in smaller roles, leave memorable impressions as the King and the court jester/shaman, respectively.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, The Northman is a meditation on the destructive nature of vengeance. Amleth’s relentless pursuit of his “fate” raises questions about free will versus destiny, and whether the cycle of violence can ever truly be broken. The film also delves into themes of masculinity and power, exploring how societal expectations shape the protagonist’s identity.
Eggers weaves Norse mythology throughout the narrative, with frequent references to Odin, Valkyries, and the Yggdrasil tree. These elements add a layer of spiritual resonance, making the story feel like a saga passed down through generations.
Critique
While The Northman is a technical and artistic achievement, its unrelenting focus on its grim and violent world may not appeal to all viewers. The pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the second act, and the heavy use of symbolism and mythology might feel opaque to those unfamiliar with Norse traditions. However, these choices are consistent with Eggers’ auteur vision, prioritizing authenticity and atmosphere over mainstream accessibility.
Conclusion
The Northman is a bold and uncompromising work that solidifies Robert Eggers as one of contemporary cinema’s most visionary directors. It is a film that demands patience and engagement, rewarding viewers with a richly textured exploration of revenge, fate, and humanity’s primal instincts. For those willing to embrace its stark brutality and mythic scope, The Northman offers an unforgettable cinematic journey.
