Alexander Skarsgård delivers a wholly remarkable performance as the lead in the new film, The Northman, from visionary director Robert Eggers.
On the verge of manhood, Prince Amleth (Oscar Novak) witnesses his father’s (Ethan Hawke) murder at his uncle’s hand. Two decades later, a grown Amleth (Skarsgård), undertakes a quest to rescue his mother (Nicole Kidman) from his murderous uncle and avenge his father.
Director Robert Eggers imbues all of the moodiness and artistic flourish he exhibited in his earlier films such as The Lighthouse (2019) and The Witch (2015). Written along with acclaimed Icelandic author Sjón, Eggers’ script is unrelenting in its portrayal of Amleth’s struggles and associated hardships. But what is refreshing is that it never feels as though Amleth’s sole purpose for existing is to exact revenge for his father. Instead, it plays as though he is more intent on trying to live some sort of a life of his own and avenging the death of his father would be more of a bonus should the opportunity present itself.
Skarsgård holds the film together as the heroic Amleth and, though his story is one of sadness and, ultimately, revenge, the actor still keeps the character emotionally grounded as a lost soul searching for what should have been his place and purpose in life. Similarly, Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Amleth’s would-be paramour, Olga of the Birch Forest, allows the harder-edge of Amleth to soften and transform him into a true hero fighting for not only family, but love as well.
Later, when Amleth learns that his mother, Queen Gudrún, is still alive and “with” his uncle, Amleth seeks to exact his revenge in total upon all those who have wronged him. In many aspects, the story plays as a retooling of the legend of “Beowulf” but there is something wholly unique and astonishing about the film on display here.
Jarin Blaschke’s cinematography expertly captures Craig Lathrop’s lavish production design and both bring the world of director Eggers’s vision to remarkable life. Unnerving, yet memorable, supporting performances from the likes of Willem Dafoe and Gustav Lindh only add to the depth of the world creation as no character or moment of the story comes across as wasted or trivial.
While portions of Robert Eggers’ film may prove too graphic, intense, or perhaps lengthy for some viewers, the epic grandiosity of the story, coupled with Alexander Skarsgård’s astonishing portrayal of the film’s lead character make The Northman one of the best films of the year.
Mike Tyrkus
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