The critics are stating the Northman is two movies at war within The Northman. This is the latest film from The Witch and The Lighthouse director Robert Eggers. The first is a fascinating, trance-like sensory experience that envelops you in the first half hour. The second is a historical revenge saga that feels hesitant in its depictions of violence and sensuality. Despite veering between these two modes of expression the film still ends up enjoyable.
The tale is a simple one. After witnessing his father, King Aurvandill War-Raven (Ethan Hawke), being betrayed and murdered by his ruthless uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang), the Viking warrior prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) returns many years later, in the guise of a slave, to quench his thirst for revenge and to rescue his mother, Queen Gudrún (Nicole Kidman).
R RESTRICTED MPA
strong bloody violence, some sexual content and nudity
Actors
Anya Taylor-Joy, Alexander Skarsgard, Willem Dafoe, Lars Knudsen, Claes Bang, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Robert Eggers, Mark Huffam
