The Northman

           Director and co-writer ( with Sjon) Robert Eggers brings his unique vision to this Viking tale of revenge. Set in AD 895, the film, while filled with its share of violent battle scenes, is more metaphysical and mystical in nature.

           The film stars Alexander Skarsgard as Amleth, a warrior prince, Oscar Novak as the young Amleth, Nicole Kidman as Amleth's mother and Ethan Hawke as his father. When his uncle Fjolnir (played by Claes Bang) kills his father and takes his mother as his queen, young  Amleth escapes by boat plotting revenge. We meet him years later as the adult Amleth, who after a visit by a seer (played by Bjork), seeks a mystical sword in order to slay his uncle. Along the way he befriends Olga (played by Anya Taylor-Joy) when they both become slaves to Fjolnir, who is unaware of Amleth's true identity. The film also co-stars in small roles, Willem Dafoe, Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie, all veterans of Mr. Eggers earlier films.

          The majority of the film is set in the barren wilderness of Iceland. Devoid of much color or life, the harsh landscape becomes a character unto itself. Mr. Eggers brings a true sense of realism to the stark and violent world of these characters. You can almost feel the blood and dirt on your skin as you watch the story unfold.  He has an uncanny way of creating a familiar story in a fresh and unique way. 

          Don't expect a full-blown Viking adventure with a cast of thousands but rather expect the unexpected and be rewarded with a surprising tale of blood, sweat, and a single tear.