Directed by Robert Eggers
Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Claes Bang, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy and Ethan Hawke

My appreciation of director Robert Eggers debut feature film, The VVitch: A New-England Folktale and his Oscar-nominated follow-up, The Lighthouse might be limited, yet I cannot deny being utterly drawn-in by and having a curious attraction to the visual bleakness, darkness, and uniqueness of those films.

In a major step away from the horror genre and a major step north on his directing CV, visionary filmmaker Robert Eggers co-writes and directs one of the most striking Viking productions you’re bound to witness. His now trademark visual representation complete with some hints of horror have been applied to this increasingly absorbing story of a Viking warrior prince on his brutal quest to avenge a real-life horror that has separated him from his mother and home as a child. The seamless pairing of the two possess all the elements of being something quite epic to experience on the big screen.

Worthy of gaining further appreciation is Egger’s intentions to ensure as much Viking accuracy as possible comprises his film. Not only did he do a a tremendous amount of research himself, but Eggers also collaborated with many Viking experts, historical advisors, archaeologists, and craftspeople to bring authenticity to the story and to recreate an entire Viking village. He’s even stated that the film would have been made entirely in Old Norse if he were working with a budget larger than the $70-$90 million granted to this production. 

The plot synopsis will sound and might appear too common throughout to guarantee complete fulfilment and to justify my strong rating of the film. Well, an unforeseen and impressive twist that invigorates the story and its trajectory will largely eliminate those apprehensions. Furthermore, the dialogue is often noticeably and attractively poetic in nature, which comes as no surprise upon learning that Robert Eggers co-wrote the script with Icelandic poet and novelist, Sjón. 

Above all else, The Northman boasts faultless production qualities that demand the recognition they damn well deserve. The camerawork employed throughout this cinematic odyssey is just as stunning as its shooting locations are. The use of lighting to bring colour to certain scenes that appear to be captured in exquisite black and white is almost bewitching to behold. I was also completely immersed by the intensely and incredibly atmospheric score and sound mixing. A constant presence in this picture. Finally, this entirely captivating experience that gains momentum right up to its thrilling climax features bravura performances from Alexander Skarsgård and Claes Bang. Highly recommended!

The Northman is showing in cinemas across Australia from April 21st.

Moviedoc thanks Universal Pictures for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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