Movie Review

Film Review: THE NORTHMAN (2022): Robert Eggers’ Film is a Violent, Visually Stunning Epic Gem

Alexander Skarsgard Anya Taylor Joy The Northman

The Northman Review

The Northman (2022) Film Review, a movie directed by Robert Eggers, written by Robert Eggers and Sjon and starring Alexander Skarsgard, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Gustav Lindh, Elliott Rose, Willem Dafoe, Phill Martin, Eldar Skar, Olwen Fouere, Edgar Abram, Jack Gassmann, Ingvar Sigurdsson, Oscar Novak, Jack Walsh, Bjork and Ian Whyte.

Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse) has always been a filmmaker with a very distinct style and his new film, The Northman, is a splendidly made, extremely violent presentation of one man’s quest for vengeance. That man is named Amleth and is played with fierce intensity by the terrific Alexander Skarsgard. Amleth is one of the most interesting movie heroes to come along in a long time. He is determined and persistent yet also unwillingly accepting for way too long of the circumstances he has found himself immersed in. With certain Shakespearean parallels, the script by Eggers and Sjon is full of heroic battles and sequences of people’s throats being slit but it’s also very deep in terms of the way it digs deep into Amleth’s psyche. It’s Eggers’ most successful film to date by far.

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Eggers’ picture is set primarily in Iceland during the 10th Century. Oscar Novak effectively plays Prince Amleth as a child. Ethan Hawke (underused but still solid) serves as his dad, King Aurvandil (War-Raven) and the movie shows the bond between the father and son as they emulate dogs and show their human side by passing gas (burping and otherwise) in the early part of the movie. Willem Dafoe (always phenomenal) from Eggers’ The Lighthouse plays Heimir the Fool who takes part in these odd proceedings. The central villain of the piece is Amleth’s Uncle Fjolnir (an effective Claes Bang) who decapitates King Aurvandil thus taking his place alongside Queen Gudrun (Nicole Kidman). Amleth escapes from Fjolnir but feels the need to come back to help his mother Gudrun. Amleth promises that one day vengeance will be his.

This film doesn’t spare scenes of graphic violence when years pass and Amleth makes his way through a village of slaves and engages in countless acts of brutality. Bjork (a welcome surprise in the movie) plays the Seeress who encourages Amleth to pursue his ambitions and get revenge for what his uncle did to his father. Olga of the Birch Forest (Anya Taylor-Joy of Eggers’ The Witch) is a slave who Amleth develops a meaningful bond with during the course of the film.

There are many intriguing sequences to be found here. Many of them surround the character of Queen Gudrun who is played with intense fearlessness by Nicole Kidman. She is very good here in bringing out her character’s shocking willingness to accept the circumstances that have occurred a little too easily. This story has definite parallels to Hamlet for those literary folks who will find that these two stories complement each other in various ways.

One scene that stands out comes early and is when the Queen tries to bring a wounded King Aurvandil to bed to soothe him in his difficult time where he begins to feel defeat. The King makes a choice about his fate which is an interesting one here in this sequence. Another great scene comes much later in the film where Amleth is forced to confront the harsh realities of the mother’s choices which have undermined the integrity of his plans for revenge. Kidman and Skarsgard are two masters of their craft and have some very powerful screen time together that makes for some of the best acting in the picture.

However, there are also parts of the movie that enhance the relationship between Amleth and Olga which does develop into a romantic relationship. Olga is more than willing to fight for her new man and she tries to take him away from the hell world he finds himself in where he is torn between his need for justice and a possibly different reality. Olga represents goodness, hope and the possibility of a better life and Taylor-Joy masterfully conveys these qualities in her character who has platinum blonde hair and a very determined sense of pride.

Speaking from a cinematic standpoint, there are many scenes that are done in extended takes that flow tremendously well. The final battle between Amleth and Fjolnir at the “gates of hell” is absolutely breathtaking to behold and is an epic confrontation in which the winners (or losers) have possibly been predetermined by fate. There is plenty of red lighting here as well which greatly represents the central themes of the picture.

The Northman rests a lot on its meaty scenes between Skarsgard and Taylor-Joy who create a believable relationship and have some very steamy on-screen chemistry. When the film shows us an image of Olga towards the end that represents the ideals Amleth holds close to him, it’s a gorgeous one thanks the tremendous beauty of Taylor-Joy who is nothing short of electrifying in her role here. It’s a moment of perfection in a film that is full of chaos and despair.

Claes Bang is an actor who was definitely well chosen for his role as the evil uncle. Bang makes us want to see his character meet his demise and it’s to Bang’s credit that he always commands the viewer’s attention. It is easy to hate him regarding his actions and we, as audience members, eagerly anticipate the scene where Amleth and his uncle will face off. That sequence, as previously stated, does not disappoint.

This is not an easy film to sit through but if you make it at least thirty minutes in, you’re bound to stay for the remainder of the picture because it’s virtually impossible not to be drawn in by the picture’s fierceness and its brave way of dealing with the events that are depicted in the film. It’s a Viking story with a very sharp edge that cuts super deep in terms of the way it details the way the characters decide to proceed with their actions.

Eggers is a master filmmaker regardless of whether or not the pictures he has made can be categorized as truly great. Eggers had not yet created a “perfect” movie, though. The Witch was too much of a novice work and his sophomore effort, The Lighthouse, was a step in a more visually detailed direction that has now led to The Northman. I think Eggers’ new movie has plenty of great scenes and much brilliance to it but falls a bit short of being flawless. Some of the problems were the overuse of decapitations and the blood soaked nature of the movie which could limit its appeal to those not willing to watch a film that is this graphic. Another flaw is that, for the beginning of the movie, we are kept at an emotional distance from the characters but this problem resolves itself as the film progresses.

Those criticisms aside, Eggers remains one of the most visionary, talented directors in the film industry. The Northman is a work that is certainly emotionally well-drawn with action scenes that far exceed audience expectations. It’s almost certain that the film will be admired by many and Skarsgard more than adequately carries the picture through to its inevitable (but powerful) conclusion.

Rating: 9/10

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Thomas Duffy

Thomas Duffy is a graduate of the Pace University New York City campus and has been an avid movie fan all of his life. In college, he interviewed film stars such as Minnie Driver and Richard Dreyfuss as well as directors such as Tom DiCillo and Mark Waters. He is the author of nine works of fiction available on Amazon. He's been reviewing movies since his childhood and posts his opinions on social media. You can follow him on Twitter. His user handle is @auctionguy28.
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