Egger's third film which is being described as a historical epic, works better than his previous film 'the Lighthouse' but falls short of what he did with "the VVitch". Also historical might be a bit of a stretch, as myth is woven into his otherwise gritty revenge tale, along with mushroom trips and a chorus of foxes. The dialogue which might be considered to be written a prose that aspires to be like the Eddas, can be a little stiff which at first translates to the acting, but once the film begins to flow, it moves with the icy intensity of fjords. While it is in fashion in metal and shows like "Vikings" to appropriate Scandinavian culture, this film has a little more taste in doing so though it's grasp of the mythology is a bit surface level. However, one thing they do get right to a greater extent is the Berserker culture. Either they did their homework, or they are primals.
Anya Taylor Joy outshines Nicole Kidman by far, even after things take a turn. Eric Northman playing the Northman is ironic Skarsgard, works well in the role. While he is more cut than he was for "True Blood", I would not say he bulked up as much as the wardrobe department is on point and one of the film's strengths. Visual it is stunning everything from the scenic views of Iceland to the more intense surreal moments. The fight choreography on the other hand is awkward and not fluid jagged violent like the movie needed. Overall, the casting is great, but they better watch it and this movie might get banned, if someone notices there is not a single person of color in it, while this is historically more accurate kids today are not going to let something pesky as facts get in their way. Much less how the movie shows how slavery was part and parcel with the spoils of war. Something that every culture experienced . Another touch of history the film got right.
Yes, Bjork is in the movie, but very briefly, if you are a Bjork fan, you will get about five minutes of her if that. It is dark and intense, but it does not capture the overwhelming bleakness of life during this time, like the VVitch did for its time period. There is less of a surreal wonderment clouding the story than the Lighthouse had, and the narrative stays pretty straight forward. It is not a horror movie buck angry and twisted enough to appeal to fans of the genre. There are a couple moments that are perhaps either a wink to the original Conan movie or heavily influenced by it Not a ton of solid Viking movies out there and this one does the long boats proud. I would watch it again for sure.
