Robert Eggers is widely considered one of the best directors working with historical films today. His movies, like The Witch, which realistically depicted life in 1630s New England, and Nosferatu, with its immersive early 1800s setting, are known for their incredible attention to detail. Now, his stunning film set in AD 895 – a particularly brutal and action-packed epic – is available on a new streaming platform, and it’s a must-see for fans of the genre.
The movie The Northman features Alexander Skarsgård as Amleth, a Viking prince determined to avenge his father’s murder by his uncle. Released in theaters on April 22, 2022, the film didn’t perform well at the box office, earning only $69 million despite a $70 million budget. Unfortunately, this was common during the COVID-19 pandemic, when audiences were hesitant to risk money on films outside of major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fortunately, The Northman found success through video on demand and physical copies, reaching the #1 spot on iTunes and Blu-ray during its release weeks.
The Northman tells the story of Amleth (Skarsgård), a Viking prince who escapes after seeing his father murdered by his uncle, Fjölnir (Bang). Years later, Amleth becomes a hardened warrior obsessed with revenge. He returns to Iceland disguised as a slave, determined to get close to his uncle and carry out his plan. While seeking vengeance, he discovers disturbing secrets about his family and teams up with a powerful sorceress named Olga (Taylor-Joy). This leads him to a brutal, legendary showdown with the destiny he’s been pursuing his entire life.
Critics Called ‘The Northman’ a “Bloody Revenge Tale”
Aidan Monaghan/ © Focus Features /Courtesy Everett Collection
Similar to his previous work, director Robert Eggers’ The Northman is a visually stunning film that realistically recreates the Viking age. Eggers paid incredible attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of everything from Viking customs and weaponry to the costumes and sets. This dedication is impressive on its own, but critics also praised the film for its raw and realistic depiction of violence.
With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the ‘Certified Fresh’ label, The Northman has been widely praised as a thrilling and intense film. Critics have described it as a powerful story of revenge – epic, violent, and surprisingly thoughtful – with some even calling it a horror-infused masterpiece. While general audiences gave it a slightly lower 64% rating, it’s clear The Northman has earned its positive reputation.
Make sure to add The Northman to your watchlist so you don’t miss it when it arrives on Netflix on December 3, 2025.
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2025-11-23 21:32