The Northman (2022)

Witnessing the murder of his father Ethan Hawke at the hands of his uncle Claes Bang when he was a child, Alexander Skarsgård vows revenge on those responsible. I checked this out on a whim, seeing the cast and positive reviews, despite thinking I’d be unlikely to enjoy a period piece set in 800s Scandinavia. What I got was a sweeping tale of vengeance mixed with Nordic mythology that kept me enthralled throughout. With fantastic acting, a compelling though not wholly unique story, and gorgeous scenery, it definitely deserves the praise I had read. I may not understand everything in director Robert Eggers’s films, but it does make me want to check out those I haven’t yet.