The official trailer for The Northman promises an epic and brutal Viking saga, set to hit theaters on April 22. Directed by Robert Eggers, known for his atmospheric and historically rich films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, The Northman is a revenge tale that delves deep into Norse mythology, bringing a visceral and immersive experience to the big screen.
The trailer opens with sweeping shots of the rugged, untamed landscapes of Scandinavia—towering mountains, dark forests, and roaring seas. The visuals immediately set the tone for a story that is both epic in scope and primal in its intensity. A haunting chant echoes in the background as the camera zooms in on a young Viking prince, Amleth, played by Alexander Skarsgård. His eyes are filled with determination and rage, foreshadowing the blood-soaked journey of vengeance that lies ahead.
Narrated by a deep, gravelly voice, the trailer outlines the central plot: Amleth’s father, a Viking king (played by Ethan Hawke), is brutally murdered by his brother, Fjölnir (Claes Bang). The young prince narrowly escapes death and grows up with a single purpose—to avenge his father, save his mother (Nicole Kidman), and kill his uncle. This Shakespearean tale of revenge is rooted in the Scandinavian legend that inspired Hamlet, but with Eggers’ signature dark and gritty twist.
The trailer showcases the incredible cast, which includes Anya Taylor-Joy as Olga, a mysterious and possibly magical figure who aids Amleth in his quest for revenge. Her ethereal presence adds an element of mysticism to the story, as scenes show her performing rituals and communing with the spirits of the land. Willem Dafoe, who starred in Eggers’ The Lighthouse, also makes an appearance as Heimir the Fool, a shamanic figure who seems to guide Amleth on his journey.
The action sequences are intense and brutal, with Skarsgård fully embracing the physicality of the role. Scenes of Viking raids, hand-to-hand combat, and epic battles are intercut with moments of eerie stillness, where the harsh beauty of the natural world takes center stage. The cinematography by Jarin Blaschke, who also worked on Eggers’ previous films, is stunning, capturing the stark contrast between the bleakness of the Viking world and the grandeur of its landscapes.
As the trailer builds to a climax, Amleth’s whispered vow—“I will avenge you, Father. I will save you, Mother. I will kill you, Fjölnir.”—resonates through the scenes, tying together the themes of destiny, honor, and bloodshed. The final shot is a dramatic face-off between Amleth and his uncle, set against a backdrop of fire and fury, hinting at the epic confrontation that awaits.
The Northman looks to be a film that will not only appeal to fans of historical epics but also to those who appreciate Eggers’ unique style of filmmaking. It promises to be a gripping, visually stunning, and emotionally charged exploration of vengeance and fate, brought to life by an outstanding cast and a director at the top of his game. With its April 22 release date, The Northman is poised to be one of the must-see films of the year.
