The Mosley Review: The Northman
Gladiator, Braveheart, 300 and The 13th Warrior are in the pantheon of the greatest sword and shield films. Even if one of them is more stylized than the others, you still get the impact of not only the action, but the eloquence of their storytelling. In every shot you can feel the grit of the sand between your hands and toes, you can feel the sloshy texture of the mud, you can smell the grass and you can taste the blood splatter across the air. Those films have nailed all aspects of placing you in the boots or sandals the character walks in and this film evolves that quality. The amount of attention to detail and mythology behind everything on screen was astounding. I loved that amidst the carnage, their was a heartfelt family drama that had a predictable element, but it quickly goes a direction that was even darker than expected. I loved the character growth and visual storytelling the most. It was uncompromising and pure.
Oscar Novak was excellent as the younger Amleth and he delivers a powerful performance as Amleth witnesses the tragedy that propels his future. Ethan Hawke was excellent as his father King Aurvandill War-Raven. I loved their scenes together and it showcased the traditions of a father teaching his son the ways of becoming a strong man. Alexander Skarsgard was powerful, terrifying and a beast as Amleth grown up. You are with him as his journey for bloody vengeance begins and you thirst for him to succeed. He brings to life a character that is almost beyond humanity and is purely fueled by vengeance. As the film progresses, Alexander brings out the inner goodness of the character as he hunts, but also remembers that he can love as well. Nicole Kidman was outstanding as his mother Queen Gudrún. I loved that there were so many layers to her and a level of fearless passion. Claes Bang was awesome as Fjölnir, brother of King Aurvandill. He goes on a journey of torment and it was great to see him slowly come apart mentally. Willem Dafoe was fun as Heimir the Fool and he commits as you'd expect. Bjork was cool and frightening as Seeress. She may only be in one scene, but man was it mythic and compelling. Anya Taylor-Joy continues to be amazing and as Olga of the Birch Forest, she comes out the gate as one of the most powerful characters. Not because of her sorcery, but because of her will.
The score by composers Robin Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough was the chef's kiss to the entire film. It is thunderous, powerful, scary and fueled by the Viking spirit. It's beauty knows no bounds and it will fill your heart with pulse pounding adrenaline. Visually this film was one of the most beautiful films I've seen this year so far. From the lushes greens to the warm amber light of the many torches that naturally light the many rooms and woods, it was wondrous to behold. I loved the many ties to Slovik folk lore and tales of Valhalla and how they are visually portrayed. Director Robert Eggers has made yet another masterpiece that is pure of all the standard story tropes and is absolutely an experience that shall not be missed. I loved this film and this definitely my number 1 favorite film of 2022 so far. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
