Above all, “The Northman” is a powerful visual experience. Director Robert Eggers and cinematographer Jarin Blaschke recreate the Viking world—mud, blood, and all—with striking realism.

One of the most memorable moments is a single-take shot of a village raid. Warriors in bearskins storm the village, axes swinging, as screams ring out from burning houses. The scene’s raw energy pulls you right into the chaos. Instead of relying on flashy CGI, the film uses real sounds and the clash of metal to make the violence feel real. It’s imposing.

If you can handle this level of violence, you’ll likely enjoy the film. But the graphic gore will be too much for some viewers.

Alexander Skarsgård’s physical transformation for the lead role is also noteworthy. Standing at 193cm tall, his muscular physique truly evokes a mythical warrior. His mere presence on screen transforms the atmosphere of this world, dominated by savagery and violence. He completely sheds his handsome image from ‘True Blood’, delivering a masterful performance embodying a warrior consumed by primal vengeance.

A Fantasy World Where Myth and Reality Collide

Eggers shows his skill by mixing historical realism with mythic fantasy. In this film, supernatural visions break into a world already filled with violence and blood.

The scenes with Björk as the blind seeress stand out. Wearing feathered headdresses, she brings Norse mysticism to life as she gives her prophecies. The film also uses striking images, like a glowing blue family tree growing from Amleth’s heart, to show his inescapable fate.

The music by Robin Carrolan and Sebastian Gainsborough is another highlight. It mixes old instruments with modern electronic sounds, creating a sense of ancient terror and mystery. In battle scenes, the blend of metal clashes and war cries makes the sound feel almost violent.

The Human Drama Woven by a Star-Studded Cast

The rest of the cast is also strong. Anya Taylor-Joy plays Olga, a slave witch who hides her desire for revenge behind a gentle appearance. As a regular in Eggers’ films, she once again impresses with a performance that balances subtlety and intensity.

Nicole Kidman is also memorable as Queen Gudrun. Even with limited screen time, she shows the struggle between a mother’s love and the need to survive. Her big reveal late in the film is one of the highlights, showing how complex people can be.

Claes Bang, as Uncle Fjolnir, also stands out. He isn’t just a villain—his hunger for power is tinged with sadness, which adds depth to the story.

The Man Who Inherits the Curse of Revenge: The Cry of the Viking Soul, Covered in Blood and Soil

A “Wild” Reconstruction of the Classic Revenge Drama

This film tells the epic, bloody story of Prince Amleth’s quest for revenge, played by Alexander Skarsgård. The story is based on the “Legend of Amleth,” written by the 12th-century Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus, which also inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

In the original “Amletus Saga,” the hero pretends to be mad to get revenge on his uncle and reclaim the throne. Eggers adds Norse mythology to this classic tale, turning it into a unique visual experience.

The story follows a familiar three-act structure: the hero’s vow of revenge, his training and growth, and finally his return home to carry out his plan. This straightforward setup helps make the film accessible to a broad audience.

But from a critic’s point of view, this simplicity can make the story feel repetitive. After the halfway point, Amleth’s focus on revenge flattens the drama. His drive is gripping, but the lack of suspense about what will happen next feels like a missed chance.

Director Eggers’ unique vision battles the constraints of a big budget.

I find it a bit disappointing that the thrilling “room for interpretation” and “uncanny, enigmatic elements” that captivated us in his previous films, The Witch and The Lighthouse, seem diluted in this film due to the demands of “accessibility” inherent in a blockbuster.

Eggers calls this his “most entertaining” film, and the battle scenes are certainly intense. Still, this comes at the expense of his usual strangeness and sense of madness. The visuals are as detailed as ever, but that unique feeling of dread is less intense here.

A Provocative Stance Rejecting Contemporary Values

Interestingly, even though this is a modern film, it leaves out today’s values. Issues like women’s rights, criticism of violence, and diversity are set aside. The story sticks closely to the values of 9th-century Viking society.

This choice makes the film feel more historically real, but it also means there’s little modern commentary or social critique. Characters like Olga and Gudrun are memorable, but their roles are limited. Some viewers may find this disappointing, but it’s this old-fashioned approach that makes the film stand out from other Viking stories.

A Grand Painting in Fire and Blood

The visual expression in the film “The Northman: The Guided Avenger” is truly sensory-stimulating. The “beastly charm” embodied by Amr’s muscular physique perfectly complements the desolate Icelandic landscapes unfolding in the background.

The film’s battlefields, snowy wilderness, and final fight lit by volcanic lava are all visually stunning. The use of color—especially the bright orange flames against dark backgrounds—leaves a strong impression.

The sword fights, done with real weapons, are especially intense. In a time when many action scenes use CGI, the real clash of metal and flesh is a reminder of classic action movies.

Mud, sweat, blood, and the cold light of the North—these primal elements burn intensely into the audience’s mind. The music is also effective; during mythical ritual scenes, sounds like ancient curses shake the soul. It’s a visually powerful work, as if the “flame of vengeance” itself had been transformed into imagery.

Summary: The Primitive Radiance of Barbaric Beauty

The Northman is a bold and memorable action film that stands out among director Robert Eggers’ work. While its story structure and lack of modern themes may draw criticism, its powerful visuals and unique style more than make up for it.

The film’s raw beauty can remind us of a primal energy that modern life often hides. Its intense, physical portrayal of people covered in blood, sweat, and mud gives today’s viewers a strong sense of reality, especially in a world dominated by screens.

This film is sure to spark debate, but it will also leave a mark on movie history. If you love striking visuals and action, it’s a must-see.