The Northman
Viking revenge story told as ritualistic nightmare with historical authenticity over accessibility
The brief
Robert Eggers turns the Hamlet story into a blood-soaked Viking fever dream that feels like being trapped inside a medieval nightmare for two and a half hours. Alexander Skarsgård growls and grunts his way through what's essentially a straightforward revenge plot, but Eggers fills every frame with such meticulously researched historical detail and occult weirdness that you're constantly torn between anthropological fascination and brutal exhaustion. Nicole Kidman delivers her lines like she's casting actual spells, and the whole thing has this relentless, ritualistic intensity that makes even quiet moments feel dangerous. If you loved the suffocating authenticity of The Witch or you're the type who watches Vikings while reading Norse mythology, this is your movie.
The verdict
If you crave authentic historical epics with brutal Viking action and don't mind sacrificing narrative complexity for atmospheric immersion, this is essential viewing. If you need tight pacing and character development beyond primal revenge, you'll find yourself checking your watch during this beautifully crafted but punishing slog.
Watch with
- 👥 History buffs and Viking enthusiasts
- 👤 Fans of art house horror
- ⚠️ Those sensitive to extreme violence
Heads up
- Extreme graphic violence throughout (extreme)
- Sexual violence and assault (moderate)
- Disturbing ritualistic imagery (frequent)
- Animal sacrifice and death (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Robert Eggers
- Cast
- Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Gustav Lindh, Elliott Rose
Official synopsis
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Hamlet (2026)
Both explore revenge tales rooted in Nordic/Danish royal family betrayal.
Total runtime: 2h 17m + 1h 53m = 4h 10m
