The myth is the base of culture and has been since the beginnings of communication, evidentiary of the fact that society needs a story to survive. Humanity has always told stories, some of which have lasted the ultimate test – that of time – in structure, theme, or aesthetic. As cinematic storytelling takes center stage in terms of mass communication in the modern age, it is no wonder that the myth is still being portrayed, watched, and discussed.

The Northman, the latest from director Robert Eggers, is mythology in its plainest and prettiest form. As a director, Eggers seems particularly fascinated with folklore. Before The Northman, he released The Witch, based on American folk legend, and The Lighthouse, which heavily features sea-based mythology. Along the same lines, The Northman is a Norse tale about a young Viking prince (Alexander Skarsgård) who must avenge his murdered father (Ethan Hawke).

As a boy, the prince flees the kingdom and is eventually guided by spirits on the road to fulfilling his destiny. Eggers is additionally fascinated by the supernatural. All of his films take on horror-derived undertones with haunting scores and terrifying visuals. True to form, The Northman is a visual treat, chock full of stunning set pieces with rolling green hills and stormy skies. Pleasurable sites are often replaced with gruesome ones, though still artfully displayed. Eggers isn’t afraid to play in the dark, either. Many of his most unique shots happen in minimal light. These instances are beautiful all the same and add a further eeriness to the world he has meticulously crafted, making The Northman a joy to watch.

Style, though, doesn’t always suffice for substance. However, the film does not fall short in terms of narrative. Relying on the audience’s experience with both fable and myth, the story is rich but simple. It is easy to invest in the central character, but the real strength comes from the fact that the viewer has the opportunity to switch sides mid-film, depending on how they perceive the given information. New truths revealed keeps the narrative exciting and prevent a hackneyed or tired approach to a world many are familiar with.

Anya-Taylor Joy and Alexander Skarsgård in The Northman

All of this is supported by the cast. Alexander Skarsgård, a no-brainer casting choice given his heritage, proves his worth through physicality. He moves across the screen with such force that questioning the prince’s destiny is almost unthinkable. Nicole Kidman also provides one of her most interesting recent roles to date. Also, a physical performer, Kidman has never been afraid to try new things. Her accent work in this particular role may be off-putting to some but will add to the character for most. Kidman’s on-screen presence is always regal, sometimes to a fault, but Eggers uses it to the film’s advantage in this case.

Anya-Taylor Joy, cementing her position as both global superstar and Eggers’ favorite leading lady, does a lot with a little. Joy understands her situation in relation to Skarsgard and succeeds in supporting his performance. If the film has any weakness, it is the underutilization of both the feminine and Joy herself. Still, The Northman is enriched by the performance.

Eggers and his semi newfound ability to work with whomever he desires could surely devise just about anything worth looking at together. The Northman is a wonderful addition to the Eggers catalog of folktales, but his fascination with tales of old is something simultaneously exciting and fascinating. By embellishing lore, Eggers provides treatises on humanity and storytelling. The Northman explores the notions of destiny and family and does so while keeping a Marvel-glazed audience entertained. In today’s world, this is no small feat.

Rating: 4.5/5

The myth is rather commonplace, considering how old storytelling actually is, yet the notion of myth is still significant. This is probably due to the imagination; everyone sees things differently. The Northman, however, allows us to have a communal experience. We can picture the epic together, using a similar strand of visualization. Modern tools allow Eggers to paint the picture as he sees it perfectly, and that’s a beautiful, though occasionally terrifying, thing. In the purest sense of the word, his craftsmanship is certainly worth gathering around the campfire for.