Writer/Director Robert Eggers most complete cinematic experience, THE NORTHMAN, is out in theaters today! Violent, visceral and a visually-stunning film that our Gadi Elkon really enjoyed. For the full review…
From visionary director Robert Eggers comes THE NORTHMAN, an action-filled epic that follows a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father’s murder. With an all-star cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe.
Eggers third feature film ventures into the uber-violent revenger world. The trailer certainly sells the more brash elements of a Viking revenge tale, but the unique visual touches and strong story standout. Eggers has an ability to take a wide sounding premise and give an intimate truth through the movement and change of the visual style. By far the most polished and complete story from Eggers.
Casting wise there is the extreme physicality of Skarsgard as our titular prince who appears as a mix of Conan and the recent Viking enriched shows. Dafoe is of course spooky and game to take his mystical character to new unusual places. Eggers obviously loves certain actors style and gives his vets leeway in their portrayals. The thing that really makes the film stick out though is the strong female performances. Anya Taylor-Joy’s Olga is both the intelligence of the dastardlier duo but her moment of defiance in the film is pretty epic. Bjork even brings a dark angelic vibe to her spooky Seeress that was a nice offshoot in The Northman’s journey. Nicole Kidman is our ultimate scene-stealer. The vast arc of Queen Gudrun is extremely suspense filled and surprising. She literally has two sequences worthy of Oscar notice!!
Eggers visual touches and designer background add a new dream like quality throughout the film and his constant movement choices keep you completely immersed in the action. You are amongst the violence and thus engaged all the way through.
A powerful punch to the gut and yet still a tragic Shakespearean tale worthy of a long legacy.
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Written by: Sjon and Robert Eggers
Rated: R
Selig Rating: 4.5 Stars
Running Time: 2h 16min
Action / Adventure / Drama
In Theaters Everywhere April 22nd
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
