The Northman (film)

The Northman is a 2022 American epic historical action drama film directed by Robert Eggers, and co-written by Eggers and Sjón. Based on the legend of Amleth, the film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe. Filming took place from August to December 2020 in locations throughout Ireland.

The Northman had its world premiere in Stockholm at Rigoletto Cinema on March 28, 2022. It was released early in some countries, starting from April 13, 2022, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on April 22. The film has grossed a total of $3.4 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, with particular praise aimed at its direction, production values, atmosphere, and the performances of the cast.

Plot

In 895, King Aurvandill War-Raven returns to his kingdom on the irish coast from his conquests overseas and reunites with his wife Queen Gudrún, and his son and heir, Prince Amleth. The King is soon followed by the visit of his brother, Fjölnir. Having returned from battle injured, Aurvandill decides to bestow his responsibilities to Amleth. The two later take part in a spiritual Norse ceremony overseen by a he-witch named Heimir in which Amleth takes his vows.

The following morning, Fjölnir and his men arrive and betray the King by executing him and seizing his kingdom along with Queen Gudrún. Having witnessed this betrayal, Amleth escapes by boat, vowing to one day avenge his father, save his mother and kill his uncle Fjölnir. Several years later, adult Amleth is now part of a Viking horde pillaging settlements across Eastern Europe.

Following a battle, Amleth encounters a Seeress, who recognises Amleth’s royal bloodline and fortells he will soon have the opportunity to take vengeance against Fjölnir. Amleth leaves the horde, and smuggles himself aboard a slave ship heading to Iceland. On board, he encounters a slave named Olga, who claims she is a sorceress. On arrival, Amleth and the rest of the slaves are taken to Fjölnir’s village, where it is revealed that Fjölnir and Queen Gudrún, now his wife, has in-turn produced him a son, Gunnar.

Amleth, Olga and the rest of the slaves are forced into hard labor. One night, Amleth sneaks out of the village and encounters another he-witch, who facilitates a spiritual dialogue between Amleth and a deceased Heimir. He then tells Amleth of a legendary sword and its location, which Amleth later obtains. A day later, Amleth is selected to compete in an old-Nordic sporting event. The event becomes violent and Amleth saves Fjölnir’s son Gunnar.

During a night of celebration, Amleth and Olga reunite and sleep together. They vow to work together to overcome Fjölnir and his men. Over the following nights, Amleth kills several of Fjölnir’s men, including another of Fjölnir’s sons, Thorir. He also encounters his mother, Queen Gudrún, who reveals she was originally taken into slavery herself, and that Amleth’s birth was a result of rape. She then attempts to seduce her son while also revealing that it was her order for Fjölnir to kill Aurvandill and Amleth, and that she prefers Fjölnir and her new son Gunnar.

In an attempt to discover who is murdering his men, Fjölnir threatens to kill Olga, resulting in Amleth revealing himself as responsible. After a severe beating, Amleth is released from his restraints by a pack of ravens. Olga soon rescues Amleth from the village and the two escape. Having left Iceland by boat, Amleth discovers that Olga is pregnant with twins and that she originates from the same royal bloodline as him. Against Olga’s wishes, Amleth orders the boat to head to safer shores whilst he returns to Iceland to finish his revenge on Fjölnir.

Back at the village, Amleth is attacked by Queen Gudrún and Gunnar. Amleth defends himself but as a result kills both and is heavily injured. Fjölnir discovers the bodies and arranges to meet Amleth at The Gates of Hel – a nearby active volcano – in order to settle their conflict via Holmgang. At the volcano, Amleth and Fjolnir engage in a fierce swordfight which eventually results in both of their deaths – Amleth stabbed through the heart and Fjölnir beheaded. As he lays dying and begins ascending to Valhalla, Amleth has a future vision of Olga embracing their twin children.