In 2015, Robert Eggers stunned audiences with his debut horror period piece, “The Witch.” He returned in 2019 to enthrall moviegoers with his trippy adaptation of an unfinished Edgar Allan Poe story in “The Lighthouse.” Now, in 2022, Eggers returns triumphant to the silver screen with a tale of revenge, based on the legend Amleth (which inspired William Shakespeare’s Hamlet). “The Northman” is everything it is advertised to be and is sure to be heralded as the definitive Viking movie going forward.
The talented Alexander Skarsgård, of “True Blood,” “Big Little Lies,” and 2016’s “The Legend of Tarzan,” plays Amleth, the warrior prince. As a child, Amleth witnesses the death of his father (Ethan Hawke) and the imprisonment of his mother (Nicole Kidman), at the hands of his own uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang). Believed to be dead, little Amleth flees across the Atlantic where he grows into a hulking berserker. Over time, he has perfected his skills as a warrior, bloodied his blade, and basked his heart in hate. When an opportunity arises for him to finally face his uncle, Amleth sets a plan into action to fulfill his life’s creed; to avenge his father, to save his mother, and to kill his uncle Fjölnir.
While it has been said that Alexander Skarsgård has been seeking to make a Vikings film for some time, many wondered what the point would be. Audiences have already been treated to several blood-soaked seasons of “Vikings,” which even stars Alexander’s brother, Gustaf Skarsgård. The historical drama series ended in 2021 with its 6th season, and a sequel series, “Vikings Valhalla,” premiered on Netflix this year. Also on Netflix, the multi-season hit “The Last Kingdom” tells the historical fiction tale of the relationship between Vikings and Anglo-Saxons in the late 800’s. So, what more is there really to showcase that these very well-regarded shows have not already covered?
While those are entertaining to binge, “The Northman” presents a rich, single experience that seems to breathe new life into the long-lost Viking Age. Everything from the cinematography, the costume design, and the blood-curdling score make for an exquisite presentation. Every bit of scenery seemed enriched by a vibrant display of color. The film felt claustrophobic at times, and vast at other times, as the sheer scale of the production was magnificent to behold.
While “The Northman” is but a single film, it packs its 137-minute runtime with everything one needs to tell an epic Vikings tale: psychedelic trances, loyalty to kinship, and untamed brutality. Eggers holds back on none of these ingredients. Throw in a batch of amazing performances, as well as the gorgeous countryside of Northern Ireland, and you’ll be unable to peel your eyes away from this experience.
Nicole Kidman shines as the Queen Gudrún, Amleth’s mother. She is cunning and vicious, as one expects a Viking Queen to be. Anya Taylor-Joy, who’s breakthrough role was in Eggers’ “The Witch,” portrays Olga, a young sorceress. She yearns for freedom and will do what she must to acquire it. Willem Dafoe, who also appeared in Eggers’ “The Lighthouse,” delivers another eccentric performance as Heimir the Fool. Ethan Hawke, though we know from the trailers that his role is short lived, brings a majestic fatherly presence to his character of King Aurvandil War-Raven. Finally, Claes Bang, of BBC’s “Dracula,” thrives as the stoic, menacing Fjölnir the Brotherless.
The film, however, truly ascends to greatness via the transcendent performance of Amleth, by Alexander Skarsgård. Beyond his towering, massive figure, Skarsgård presents us with multiple layers of rage, despair, and anguish, as he travels through Hel to achieve his vengeance. Amleth’s tragedy is matched by the utter brutality that he unleashes on any soul who dares to stand in his way. Whether he be an ultra-violent, animal-like berserker, or a broken, troubled man who misses his mother, Amleth is epitome of what you would envision a true Viking to be. “The Northman,” does not let up for a moment of its 2+ hour runtime. It is breathtaking, beautiful, and most importantly, brutal.
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Mental Health Moment: I recently lost my father in an unexpected accident. Now, every time I see a character lose their father in a film or tv show, I can’t help but empathize. It doesn’t matter where you are at in life, the loss of a loved one can be devastating. It is easy and certainly beyond tempting to simply shut down, bottle everything inside, and turn away from the world. I, for one, did not want to be comforted. I didn’t want to share my feelings or be told that everything will be okay. These were my feelings, and I felt the need to feel them… alone. Know this, though, that while there is a time for solitude and personal reflection, the road to recovery is populated with people who are willing to help you. Eventually, though it may not be easy, one must learn to turn back to the world, to unclench your fists, and reach out to the hands that are reaching back out to you.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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