Review of The Northman (2022) by Saucyninja007 — 22 Apr 2022

Atmospheric, authentic, brutal, engrossing, epic, intense, tragic. "The Northman" is the first film in quite some time that made me feel like I was transported somewhere else. Watching this movie was like living through the pages of mythical folklore.

No punches are pulled here: "Vikings" are not portrayed glamorously, and the violence is unflinching and honest. Every scene completely captures and demands the attention of the audience. On a purely aesthetic level the film is sublime, but that is not to discredit the terrific acting and writing too.

I almost want to describe "The Northman" as "Conan the Barbarian" meets "Hamlet". The fantastical elements never feel out of place (if anything the movie would feel strange without them).

The storytelling is efficient - not a single scene or line of dialogue is wasted - and the journey of the protagonist unfolds in a very Shakespearean manner. Even if you have no interest in expect acting, writing, and cinematography you should see this movie just to see how action scenes SHOULD be filmed (and there are plenty of those).

I am expecting and hoping this movie to appeal to average film-goers as well as those who appreciate cinema.