The Northman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Hamlet, but with more screaming and less iambic pentameter.

🍿 The Northman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The King’s Murder and Amleth’s Vow

In 895 AD, King Aurvandil returns home to his family, including his son Amleth. A dark prophecy unfolds as Aurvandil is betrayed and murdered by his brother, Fjölnir. Young Amleth witnesses this brutal act and escapes, swearing revenge on his uncle.

Amleth’s Path to Revenge

Years later, Amleth, now a fierce Viking warrior, learns of Fjölnir’s whereabouts and infiltrates his settlement in Iceland as a slave. He meets Olga, a Slavic sorceress, and together they plot to avenge Amleth’s father and reclaim what was lost. The path is fraught with violence and difficult choices.

Betrayal and Alliances

As Amleth gets closer to Fjölnir, he uncovers shocking truths about his family and the events surrounding his father’s death. Alliances shift, and Amleth must confront not only Fjölnir but also the complex web of deceit and betrayal that surrounds him. His determination is tested at every turn.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård): A Viking prince driven by a lifelong oath to avenge his father’s murder and rescue his mother.
• Queen Gudrún (Nicole Kidman): Amleth’s mother who harbors dark secrets and complex motivations.
• Fjölnir the Brotherless (Claes Bang): The ruthless uncle who murders Amleth’s father and usurps the throne.
• King Aurvandil War-Raven (Ethan Hawke): Amleth’s father and the king whose murder sets the revenge plot in motion.
• Olga of the Birch Forest (Anya Taylor-Joy): A Slavic slave and sorceress who becomes Amleth’s ally and lover.
• Heimir the Fool (Willem Dafoe): King Aurvandil’s jester and seer, who plays a pivotal role in Amleth’s spiritual journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Young Amleth: “I will avenge you, Father! I will save you, Mother! I will kill you, Fjölnir!” – Amleth’s vow after witnessing his father’s murder, setting the stage for his lifelong quest for revenge.
• Queen Gudrún: “You were a cub I could twist to my will, but now you are a wolf.” – Queen Gudrún reveals her manipulative nature and her changed perception of Amleth.
• Amleth: “Fate is woven.” – Amleth accepts his destiny and the intertwined nature of his and Fjölnir’s lives.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $70,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,233,110
• Worldwide Gross: $69,633,110

💥 The Northman Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by The Northman! The raw brutality and stunning visuals kept me on the edge of my seat. Alexander Skarsgård’s performance was intense and captivating. The scene where Amleth obtains the sword from the undead warrior in the tomb was truly unforgettable. It’s a film that has stayed with me long after watching it, and I can’t wait to see it again. Seeing it on the largest screen possible is a MUST.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical epics”
  • “Those interested in Norse mythology”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances and visual storytelling”
  • “People who enjoy dark and violent action films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Rollingstone.com: “The Northman is a brutal and visually stunning Viking epic that immerses you in a world of violence, vengeance, and Norse mythology. Robert Eggers creates a truly unique cinematic experience through Alexander Skarsgård’s committed performance and the film’s raw, authentic feel.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Eggers delivers a visceral and unforgettable experience. The film excels with its attention to historical detail, remarkable performances from the cast, and a haunting atmosphere that grips you from beginning to end. A dark and bloody tale of revenge and destiny.
• IMDB User Reviews: “Visually the film looks good, the scenery was beautiful, the fight scenes were well done and the violence was well placed within the Viking period. Some magic/fantasy moments which at times took away from the story and at worst felt out of place

Audience Reactions

The film’s authentic depiction of Viking culture and the raw, visceral fight scenes.: Viewers praised the film’s immersive world-building and the intense performances from the cast, especially Alexander Skarsgård and Anya Taylor-Joy.

The combination of action and thought provoking mythology that is presented in the film.: Viewers loved the blending action and story that presents great mythology for its viewers.

Overall Consensus: The Northman is a visually stunning and brutally violent Viking epic that offers a unique and immersive cinematic experience, though some viewers find the pacing slow or the mythological elements off-putting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Valkyrja’s dental markings are based on bodies in Viking graves with horizontal lines carved into the teeth. The practice was particularly common on the island of Gotland, with the carvings likely filled with colored pigment.”
• “Director Robert Eggers meticulously researched Viking culture, incorporating authentic details into the sets, costumes, and rituals to create a realistic portrayal of the era.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Northman?

The Northman is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Northman, you might like these similar films:

• Conan the Barbarian (1982): Shares themes of revenge, brutal combat, and a hero shaped by violence, making it a direct comparison in the sword-and-sorcery genre.
• Gladiator (2000): Features a similar plot of betrayal and revenge set in a historical period, with a focus on honor, duty, and a hero’s journey to reclaim what was lost.
• Valhalla Rising (2009): A visually stunning and atmospheric Viking film that explores themes of fate, violence, and the search for meaning in a brutal world.
• The Green Knight (2021): Shares a similar arthouse approach to fantasy and period storytelling, with strong visuals and focus on character.

🛒 The Northman Related Products

• The Northman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in the dark and haunting soundscape of The Northman with the official soundtrack. Available as a digital download, this album captures the film’s intense atmosphere and visceral energy with music written by Robin Carolan & Sebastian Gainsborough.
• The Art of The Northman: A beautifully crafted book showcasing the intricate concept art, behind-the-scenes photography, and insightful commentary from the filmmakers. Dive deep into the creative process behind the film’s stunning visuals and authentic Viking world.
• VIKING ARMOR – Adult Costume: Become a Viking! A detailed Viking armor set, made with high-quality materials and authentic design. A good replica of the armor from The Northman, allowing you to embody the warrior spirit of Amleth.
• Funko Pop! Movies: The Northman – Amleth: A stylized collectible figure of Amleth, showcasing Alexander Skarsgård’s portrayal of the iconic Viking warrior. A fun, detailed recreation of the movie. This Funko Pop! captures the character’s intensity and is a great way to celebrate the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Northman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Storm at Sea / Losspells” – performed by Robin Carolan & Sebastian Gainsborough
• “Aurvandil’s Silver Hoards” – performed by Robin Carolan & Sebastian Gainsborough
• “Come to the Tree” – performed by Robin Carolan & Sebastian Gainsborough

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How I Trained Alexander Skarsgård for The NORTHMAN

Curious about the intense preparation that went into Alexander Skarsgård’s stellar performance? This video takes you behind the scenes of his rigorous training journey!

Alexander Skarsgård & ‘The Northman’ Director Break Down Amleth’s Return as a Viking | Vanity Fair

Join Alexander Skarsgård and director Robert Eggers as they delve into the intricacies of a key scene from ‘The Northman,’ shedding light on the film’s themes and characters.

You Become A Man When Your Father Dies ⋮ The Northman Meaning

For those seeking a deeper understanding of ‘The Northman,’ this video delves into its philosophical undertones, examining the profound themes that resonate throughout the film.

Did you know in THE NORTHMAN…

Did you know that Nicole Kidman kept a sword after filming? Discover more fascinating tidbits about ‘The Northman’ in this fun and informative video!

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