The film takes inspiration from history, myth and even Shakespeare
09:51, 28 Aug 2025
Netflix has just added a 'gruesome' historical epic that has been described as 'Lord of the Rings meets Kill Bill'.
The Northman is now available on the streamer as of today (August 28). Originally released back in 2022, it should be a perfect watch for those who enjoy the series Vikings as it is a period drama like no other.
It was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Eggers, who previously made The Lighthouse and went on to helm Nosferatu. Eggers also co-wrote the script alongside Icelandic poet Sjón, who has a long time creative partnership with the singer Björk, who also stars in the film.
The rest of the all-star cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy and Willem Dafoe. Like many of Eggers' films, it takes inspiration from history as well as myths and The Northman even has parts in common with Shakespeare's Hamlet.
According to its synopsis, the film follows Prince Amleth (Skarsgård) who is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy's mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who raids Slavic villages. He soon meets a seer who reminds him of his vow, to save his mother, kill his uncle, avenge his father.
The Northman was a hit with critics when it was released in cinemas. It managed to earn an impressive 90% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes.
Empire magazine gave it the full five stars, saying: "This is intimate, culturally rich storytelling on a brutally epic scale. Skarsgård is in his element, bolstered by a sensational cast throwing themselves headfirst into Eggers and Sjón’s awe-inspiring vision. A cinematic saga worthy of the ancestors."
Other critics praise the director's vision on display and now it is available on Netflix, it should serve as a perfect entry point for those unaware of Robert Eggers' work. One review claimed: "Epic, brutally violent, nuanced, and dreamlike, The Northman is a showcase for a unique directorial voice worth celebrating."
Fans have also shared their recommendations for the film with one going so far as to say: "The Northman is a modern masterpiece. The visualisation Robert Eggers gave us of an age ruled by brutality, pain and suffering, but also mystery, poetry and beauty is unmatched."
While some have suggested the film is perfect for those who enjoy the series Vikings, someone else made a comparison with other fantasy epics and revenge thrillers. They said: "I was enthralled by this film...the scenery, the cast, the brutality and the mystical Norse mythology, I'd best sum it up as a cross between Lord of the Rings meets Kill Bill, with maybe some Holy Grail moments thrown in!"
Meanwhile, someone else commented: "Though very gritty and gruesome, it's what you would expect from a revenge story set in the Viking age. It immerses the viewer in the worldview of the people of that time period and how their mystical pre-Christian beliefs and experiences are entwined with their every day life.
"For me, Alexander Skarsgard is incredible in this role, conveying Amleth's inner pain as well as the wild brute force of a Norse berserker."
The Northman is streaming on Netflix.