The Northman (2022) SPOILER-FREE Review: A Witch? A Wank? A Naked Willem Dafoe?
- Beanie White
- Apr 27, 2022
- 3 min read
Robert Eggers, a true visionary, the man that gave us Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout role in his dire and desperate -with historically accurate dialogue- debut The VVitch (2015). The man that went on to traumatise us with graphic mermaid genitalia, a butt naked Willem Dafoe, and Robert Pattinson masturbating in a shed for his sophomore film, The Lighthouse (2019). In this, his third cinematic outing (highly anticipated amongst film buffs, film critics and Willem Dafoe enthusiasts alike) he brings us, wait for it… More naked Willem Dafoe?! Okay, okay, I’m only semi-messing here. The Northman (2022) allows Eggers to present his most ambitious movie yet, a studio switch (sorry A24, love you always) and a big budget, along with a cast stuffed with glorious talent (Björk anyone??) ensures that this epic Viking vengeance story is a voyage not to be missed.
Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), a young Viking boy welcomes his father, King Aurvandill War-Raven (Ethan Hawke) home from barbaric overseas conquests only to watch as the King is brutally murdered, and Queen Gudrún (Nicole Kidman), Amleth’s mother, is kidnapped. Escaping with his life and a vow of vengeance upon his lips, we meet him again years later to watch him embark on a vicious and visceral journey, driven by the sole purpose of avenging his father and rescuing his mother (think a jacked-up primitive version of Inigo Montoya).
It is important to note that the true magic of Eggers and his filmmaking lies in his absolute commitment to the eras in which he sets his movies, and The Northman (2022) is no exception. With his use of dialect, animalistic ritual, violence, wild scenery and familial politics, Eggers manages to launch us into the Viking era with as much aplomb as the starkly truthful New England setting of The VVitch (2015). Avid historians will notice details that the general cinema fan might not, but neither will suffer as a consequence. This film lies separate to Eggers’s other works in that it is, in a sense, a blockbuster film, lauded as “this generation’s Gladiator” on its promotional posters. The epic violent sequences and basic vengeance-laden plot lend themselves to creating a film big and brash enough for wider audiences without completely alienating the surrealist-loving cinephiles that first supported his work.
Eggers is a fan of repeat collaborations and here we are treated to both his reunion with Anya Taylor-Joy -starring as Amleth’s wilful and wily love interest the self-proclaimed sorceress, Olga- and Willem Dafoe, making a brief yet memorable appearance as the King’s mystical jester, Heimir. For me, the standout performances amongst a very strong cast are given by Nicole Kidman as the aforementioned Queen Gudrún, a slowly seething Lady Macbethian obstacle to Amleth’s quest, and Claes Bang, giving an almost strangely sympathetic performance playing the usurper himself, the King’s brother Fjölnir. Skarsgård himself must also be commended on his physical and vocal transformation into a man wrecked by the havoc that comes with a life dedicated to violence and revenge, he is positively animalistic in every sense, only softened by the strength of an ever-confident Anya Taylor-Joy as Olga.
Although many are considering this to be Eggers’s best film, I would have to respectfully disagree. As a fan of the claustrophobic surrealist feel of his previous works I felt almost displaced by the vastness of the first half of this movie. However, when the action settles around Fjölnir’s farm, and Amleth’s thirst for vengeance finally begins to be quenched, I feel that the film really transcends to its strongest point. The true politics begin to unravel, and we discover that all is not what it appears to be…
Eggers continually proves himself to be one of the most exciting filmmakers of recent times, I just can’t help but hope that his next foray reunites him with A24, and naked Willem Dafoe of course. I’ve heard those Nosferatu remake rumours Robert, don’t be shy… Willem creepin’ about in a cape and bald cap?? I’m placing my bets already.
Are you a Robert Eggers fan? Have you had a chance to see The Northman yet? Let us know in the comments below!
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