The Northman

Robert Eggers writes and directs this epic, viking legend inspired adventure. Alexander Skaarsgard is Amleth who as a boy sees his father King Aurvandil (Ethan Hawke), betrayed and murdered and his mother (Nicole Kidman) kidnapped and swears to avenge them. When he sees a chance to get to his uncle Fyjölnir (Claes Bang) who believes responsible for his father’s death, he takes it. Here he plans his violent and bloody revenge nightmare, but his plans change when he meets Olga (Anya Taylor-Joy) who inspires and guides him to more than he thought.

This is a fabulous journey through Viking legend and mythology that provides a visceral and engrossing cinematic experience. For some it maybe a little much, as it’s based on myth and legend it heads off on some wierd and wonderful diversions as we enter Amlets visions and imagination. Its language could also be challenging for some with its Shakespearean type use (no surprise that this story is loosely based on the same one that supposedly inspired Hamlet). But for me that is all part of what makes this such a fabulous treat of a film.

Performances are excellent, Skaarsgard’s Amleth broods through his bloody and violent revenge. Claes Bang and Nicole Kidman are great but the show stealer is Anya Taylor-Joy whose presence and performance light up the screen.

It looks incredible and is full of stunning cinematography and a brilliant use of its scandi-noir feel and Bergman inspired quick cut style and moodily lit close ups of faces add to the beautifully cinematic experience.

There is also an originality to this, so often epics are sand and sandals inspired, but the use of viking legend is refreshing and the way it’s shot and Shakespearean language and scale are things we often don’t see from a big studio

The Northman may he a bit much for some. But for me, Its wild and crazy, looks beautiful and is full of engrossing performances. It’s a fabulous and wonderful romp through a viking inspired legend and a brilliant and absorbing cinematic experience.