Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Northman’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Northman’.
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The true beauty of storytelling is its outright freedom. For the creative mind can do anything and go anywhere and bring anyone to life and march those very characters toward death in a story if they so choose… without any consequences or limitation. And in doing so, the creator can express fascinating thoughts and offer amazing observations about our world and that is why humanity has such a rich relationship with storytelling. Because we know when we pick up a new book or watch a new show or settle into a movie that seems unlike any other, we will be treated to something special and freeing and thoughtful, especially when the story in question comes forth from someone well known for quality storytelling. Such as say, director Robert Eggers. 
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For time and time again, Robert has wowed us with unique stories that not only examine unique time periods in the world’s history but have something to say about the human condition in the process. Since The Witch spoke to the power of ignorance through the witch trials of yore, while The Lighthouse spoke to the power and horror of isolation and of course, to keep these films incredibly interesting, he’s also provided us with stunning and visceral imagery to really sell the wonder of the story. If anything, Robert and his work, and the majesty of storytelling are top of mind today… simply because Robert has a brand-new motion picture out that takes us into another fascinating time period in our history, to explore the nature and danger of revenge in The Northman.

Now in this particular film, we are transported back to the era where the Vikings ruled the day, to meet a young boy named Amleth who quickly finds his idyllic life as a prince in distress. For his uncle opts to make a power play for the crown, exiling young Amleth in the process and leaving him lost and filled with anger as he grows into a man. In fact, once he reaches adulthood, all he knows is violence, fueled from his unresolved emotions, and with the help of a little magic, he decides that the time has come to cool that fire the only way that a man of his skill set knows how, with revenge. Which is a decision that brings him to his uncle’s new farm in Iceland and a violent confrontation, where the power of the vendetta will decide whether or not he has a future in this life. 

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Which is a plot that holds nothing back regarding the power and danger of revenge. For it wastes little time in making it clear, in no small terms, that revenge is poison to the body and the soul and that we cannot let it dictate our fate or our future. That we must instead purge it, before it truly consumes us with its fire and that message is expressed through powerful moments and brilliant and powerful imagery. The kind that only Eggers can pull off on the silver screen, since we watch its power consume Amleth minute by minute, and diminish his physical stature and ability to heal, and at times it appears as though it is sucking the very life force out of him. And the desire to really look at the ugliness of revenge extends beyond Amleth’s emotional journey. For Eggers figured out how to express that fury in a visceral manner as well.
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That means, this is also a supremely violent story. One where Amleth takes the time to relish in every vengeful kill with a twisted glee that does in fact, take the audience by complete and utter surprise. Because the visuals also hold nothing back in showing us how far a man must and will go to truly exact revenge upon another person, and watching people suffer Amleth’s wrath by sword or by fist, in an unfettered manner… in the name of revenge, reinforces and enhances the message for certain. It also truly evokes an understanding of the savage impact that revenge has upon others and how it can change lives for the worse, especially when people decide that the ultimate act is the only way to obtain it.

If anything, the subject matter and its powerful exploration on the nature of revenge, make this perhaps Robert Eggers’ darkest and most visceral film to date. One that pushes the envelope of visual storytelling in every way imaginable, to the point where we do need to make it clear… that this movie might not be for everyone. Only because some of the physical battles here and some of the ancient rituals involving animals that the Vikings took part in so many years ago, will unsettle a viewer greatly with their raw portrayal of gore and violence. But if one can look past that and not let it assault their senses, then expect to be treated to a magnum opus of sorts, one that rivals the great tragedies of our time, courtesy of its powerful and unyielding message.

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