The Northman (2022)

Alexander Skarsgard's transformation into a Viking prince is possibly the most astonishing part of this experience. The Marvel execs are probably shaking their heads at Hemsworth right now. Amleth (Skarsgard) and his fellow Viking pack are terrifying to experience. As they prepare to raid their way through Slavic villages, they consume psychoactive substances and howl at the moon becoming wolves themselves. During battle they even use their teeth as weapons. The first act sets up a revenge tale soaked in Viking mythology and Egger's love for mythos takes center stage in the plot's structure. Amleth is guided by the spirit of wolf Fenrir and aided by the ravens of Odin. Much like "The Lighthouse", viewers without knowledge of the period's history will still enjoy and catch on to the major themes, but might find themselves alarmed or confused by smaller details. The first act of this film is masterful and perhaps that's why it's transition to the second act felt as if it's sharp blade was dulled. A decade after Amleth's quest for revenge begins a lot has changed. His uncle Feng , who stole his father's crown, has pledged loyalty to a bigger king. The days of Viking lords are coming to an end, which is why our epic tale ends up on a slave farm in Iceland. I felt like this location shrunk the scope of this film's vision. Amleth cutting his hair and becoming a slave was not the tonal shift I was expecting. Perhaps I'll like it more on a 2nd viewing with proper expectations, but right now I can't help but feel underwhelmed by that development. Though the scale of the story does not grow, the mythos behind the story manages to be the backbone of the entertainment. Amleth fighting the skeleton of a fallen warrior in order to wield it's sword was epic. A blood soaked battle between two naked Vikings surrounded by lava at the base of a volcano was epic. There are moments of greatness that I look forward to re-experiencing, but as a whole I can't help but feel it missed the mark.

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