The Northman

Focus Features | Release Date: April 22, 2022

7.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 562 Ratings

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bertobellamyApr 22, 2022

Just like 'Dune,' 'The Batman,' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' 'The Northman' reminds us that blockbusters don't necessarily have to be soulless to appeal to a wider audience.

Robert Eggers — of 'The Witch' and 'The Lighthouse' fame — faces theJust like 'Dune,' 'The Batman,' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' 'The Northman' reminds us that blockbusters don't necessarily have to be soulless to appeal to a wider audience.

Robert Eggers — of 'The Witch' and 'The Lighthouse' fame — faces the biggest challenge of his career by taking charge of a big Hollywood production, risking creative control for the very first time. And, of course, as we know, he had to concede a lot to the studio; but if this is the edited version of it, I can see The Eggers Cut being the new McGuffin of the 21st-century cinephile. Either way, you really have to thank Eggers and everyone involved for the craft and the passion behind the so-called "most accurate Viking film" ever. Tracking shots are amazing; the violence is ruthless but precise; the production values are exquisite, and the acting is fine. Sure, the drama is not that well developed, especially during the second act, but the excitement of watching a group of berserkers raiding a village with absolute savagery, or witnessing an epic showdown in an active volcano cannot be understated. Vengeance is the main theme of the film, but I appreciate how Eggers and Sjón — cowriter — slow but surely create doubts in Amleth — the Hamlet similarities, of course, are no coincidence —, a prince in exile that must choose between hating the past or embracing the future. To be or not to be. Again, there's not that much originality in here, but it´s all about execution. In any other director, this would've turned out in the most generic way possible.

And, finally, you just have to surrender to the fact that this is Björk's first acting credit in more than a decade. That has to count for something.

Gonna patiently wait for the Blu-ray to complete an already magnificent experience. #ReleaseTheEggersCut… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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FadeBlackApr 22, 2022

Excessively, absurdly violent, with very little in the sense of story and developed characters to give said violence meaning and purpose. I appreciate the talent involved, but it is hard to understand what the film was looking to achieve. AsExcessively, absurdly violent, with very little in the sense of story and developed characters to give said violence meaning and purpose. I appreciate the talent involved, but it is hard to understand what the film was looking to achieve. As a mediation on viking violence and Norse lore it is mildly entertaining, but doesn't hold a candle to Valhalla Rising (2009). As far as plot and character go it is all rather one-dimensional, engaging in places, but meandering for the most part. The score was the best part. Overall would fall short of recommending it.… Expand

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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Rebecca31Apr 22, 2022

From the mind that gave us films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, director Robert Eggers has given us a ferocious version of Amleth that really needs to be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated.

A young Viking prince witnesses hisFrom the mind that gave us films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, director Robert Eggers has given us a ferocious version of Amleth that really needs to be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated.

A young Viking prince witnesses his father’s murder and his kingdom stolen from him. Years later and now a man, Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) consumed by rage and hatred now seeks to avenge his father. This is a Viking movie unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It’s a visually spectacular, blood drenched revenge thriller. There will be scenes scarred into your brain forever as only Robert Eggers can do (yes I’m still mentally scarred from The Lighthouse).

The Northman is by far my favourite film from Robert Eggers, I may not have been a big fan of either The Witch or The Lighthouse but I liked how well they were directed and looked. Eggers has a very unique style and vision and honestly I’m always curious to see what he’ll do next so I wasted no time booking tickets for The Northman. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope the other 20 people in the screen enjoyed it too, although I think we might all be left with hearing damage from the whole experience. Now before any of you accuse me of acting like an old lady, the place was literally vibrating from the noise I thought the ceiling tiles would start falling down on us, thank you very much Odeon (yes I did mention the sound issue to the staff, no it didn’t make any difference). My ears may still be ringing but I still loved the film, even if it was a little dragged out in places.

Egger’s previous movies have always felt very authentic, especially the dialogue, (for anyone worried if the dialogue is too Shakespearean to follow everything that’s happening, rest assured that is not the case). The Northman is no different and it definitely feels like a lot of research went into making this as realistic as possible and wow does it sure show. Immersive cinema at its best, you could hear a pin drop in the screen. Incredibly tense and will have you on edge for the entirety.

The Northman is everything I’d expect from a Robert Eggers Viking movie, a very dark, brutally violent and mental gorefest. Film fans be sure not to miss out on this one because it’s a cinematic experience you won’t want to miss. Two hours and twenty minutes of roaring blood-soaked Vikings won’t be to everyone’s tastes, I’d suggest anyone unsure of this should watch the trailer first as it gives a pretty good taste of what’s in store. Highly recommended for all the Robert Eggers fans.… Expand

9 of 13 users found this helpful94

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