I will save you, Mother!
I will kill you, Fjölnir!
I don't know much about Norse mythology or Vikings but this film which is based on the saga of Amleth helps a little to feed my curiosity. Beyond the history lesson, I've always been a fan of Alexander Skarsgård since his breakthrough performance in the fantasy horror TV series, True Blood. His rugged good looks may have also played a large part in getting my attention.
The Northman (2022) is an epic historical drama that opens with the return of King Aurvandill (played by Ethan Hawke) from war. He reunites with his wife, Queen Gudrún (played by Nicole Kidman), and son, Amleth. That same night, Aurvandill undergoes an initiation ceremony with Amleth to prepare the young prince for the throne. As father and son leave the scene of the ritual, they are confronted by Aurvandill's half-brother, Fjölnir (played by Claes Bang), who kills and beheads the king. Amleth runs for his life and escapes death via a boat while continuously chanting “I will avenge you, Father. I will save you, Mother. I will kill you, Fjölnir.”
Years later, a grown Amleth (played by Alexander Skarsgård) returns as a slave, bloodthirsty and ready to avenge his father's death. To do this, he searches for the ultimate weapon that wants nothing but blood. Will he succeed in his mission or will he change his mind and choose the path of love when he meets a beautiful woman, Olga (played by Anya Taylor-Joy)?
Review
The Northman is a grim tale of betrayal and revenge. I didn't know anything about the saga of Amleth so I read it up and realised this film is simply based on this legend. I don't think anything more was added or removed from the saga in the plot of this film, which is okay. However, the storytelling is impressive. I admire how Robert Eggers crafted the scenes to start from the beginning (the betrayal) and fast-forwarded to when Amleth is grown (the revenge).
Also, Robert Eggers is great at what he does! He's not afraid to show his audience some heavy gore, grisly mutilations and nudity. On second thought, there are always nude scenes in every film I've seen Alexander Skarsgård in. Eggers doesn't hide the ugly and gruesome parts which are expected of any Vikings movie. He delivers The Northman to our screens raw, unpolished and gripping like it should be in real life.
The cast is impressive and their chemistry is fantastic, especially the character of Nicole Kidman as Queen Gudrún. She's smart and cunning and the scene where she kisses her son! I have no words. Yes, I know in reality, Alexander is not her son but her performance there is outstanding.
Alexander Skarsgård perfectly embodies the spirit of his character, Amleth. I think his height and body build gives him that macho Vikings look. The sword fights and action scenes are grisly but great. I wouldn't wish to live in such a time or place though.
I'll love to give this film a four or five-star rating but it falls a little short, in my opinion. Yes, the storytelling is fitting for a Vikings period drama, yet the pace was a little slow at the beginning. I was bored about fifteen minutes into the film. The pace picked up later when Amlet became a grown young man.
Also, the cinematography is good but I was uncomfortable with the lighting. There are so many dark/night scenes that I sighed with relief whenever morning scenes are displayed. The final battle scene at Hel is one good example. I couldn't see anything, only shadowy figures of two naked men, holding swords and shields and throwing them around. I'm sure there are ways to lighten those scenes without taking away the knowledge that it's night or the characters are in a dark cave or something.
I applaud the costume and scene designs, they are accurate and more authentic than any Vikings film that I've seen. I also enjoyed the addition of mysticism, including visions and magic which is fitting with any cinematic piece that is Norse mythological themed.
Overall, I'll give this film 3.9 stars out of 5. If you love historical dramas and don't mind heavy gores, then this one is for you.
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All images are screenshots from the movie
Posted using CineTV