Movie Breakdown: The Northman
Pre-Screening Stance:
Before my press screening got under way, I was taking in a a drink (or three) at the theater bar. It’s here when I overhead one employee snottily say to another: “Yeah, of course I want to see The Northman, it’s Eggers.” And, you know, I really couldn’t agree more.
Post-Screening Ramble:
I don’t know who ultimately approved cutting writer/director Robert Eggers the sizeable check he used to make the weird-ass revenge epic that is The Northman, but I want to find them and thank them for doing it. The overall plot here is pretty simple – Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) isn’t too happy about Fjölnir the Brotherless (Claes Bang) betraying and murdering his father, King Aurvandil War-Raven (Ethan Hawke), so he sets out to absolutely ruin him. Along the way he meets Olga of the Birch Forest (Anya Taylor-Joy), which makes achieving his goal both easier and harder.
If you’re wanting ultra violent action, it’s here. If you’re wanting all those strange little folklore bits that Eggers is so good at putting on the screen, they’re here as well. What may not quite be here though is accessibility. Did I love this film? Yes, very much. Will casual film-goers latch on to it? I’m not so sure, because ultimately The Northman is a bizarre, gritty ride that requires a complete buy-in for it to land right, and that feels like it may be too large of an ask for some. This isn’t to take anything away from the film – again, I’m giving it an enthusiastic two thumbs up – it’s more just a notice that your mileage may vary.
The Northman is a superbly crafted affair with quality performances. It’s also a wild and weird ride, so maybe don’t take the kids or anyone that doesn’t have the patience for a two hour and 16 minute dose of WTF. The film hits theaters this Friday, April 22.
One Last Thought:
I get why everyone is focused on the Bjork cameo (it’s Bjork), but Willem Dafoe’s turn as Heimir the Fool is bonkers and strange and great and … well, just all the things. That guy is particularly good at his craft.
