Viking Wolf (2022) Movie Review: A Norwegian Werewolf Tale with Mixed Results
Overview
“Viking Wolf” (2022), directed by Stig Svendsen, is Norway’s first werewolf movie and offers a blend of Norse mythology and contemporary horror. The film, available on Netflix, stars Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne, Liv Mjönes, and Sjur Vatne Brean. It explores the chilling transformation of a teenager, Thale, into a werewolf after a brutal attack.
Plot Summary
The story begins with a prologue set in the Viking age, where a demon-like wolf is released upon the world. Fast forward to modern times, Thale and her family move to a small town where her mother, Liv, works as a police officer. After Thale witnesses a vicious attack at a party, she starts experiencing strange changes, hinting at a lycanthropic transformation. As the town deals with the fallout, Thale must navigate her new, terrifying reality.
Performance and Direction
Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne portrays Thale with a mix of vulnerability and strength, although some critics feel her character’s development is insufficiently explored. Liv Mjönes, playing Thale’s mother, delivers a solid performance but the mother-daughter dynamic is underutilized, leading to missed emotional depth. Director Stig Svendsen crafts a visually appealing movie with effective use of practical effects and CGI to depict the werewolf, though the pacing and narrative coherence have received criticism.
Visuals and Cinematography
The film excels in its visual presentation, with the Norwegian landscapes providing a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The werewolf effects, combining practical makeup and CGI, are generally well-received, evoking a sense of terror and realism. However, some action scenes lack intensity due to off-screen depictions and abrupt cutaways, which can diminish the film’s overall impact.
Themes and Relevance
“Viking Wolf” attempts to weave themes of Norse mythology, transformation, and identity crisis within a horror framework. The narrative explores Thale’s struggle with her new identity and the impact of ancient curses on modern life. Despite its thematic ambitions, the film often falls back on genre clichés and predictable plot points, limiting its potential to offer a fresh take on werewolf lore.
Reception
The reception has been mixed. Critics from Ready Steady Cut and Heaven of Horror praise the film for its entertainment value and effective use of body horror but criticize its lack of emotional connection and character development. The slow pacing and lack of innovative storytelling were points of contention, leading to a divided audience reception.
Streaming and Availability
“Viking Wolf” is available for streaming on Netflix. Viewers can watch it in both subtitled and dubbed versions, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Conclusion
“Viking Wolf” is an interesting addition to the werewolf genre, particularly notable for its Norwegian setting and integration of Viking mythology. While it boasts strong visuals and an engaging premise, it struggles with pacing and character depth. Horror fans looking for a new take on werewolf stories might find it worth a watch, but those seeking a deeply emotional or innovative narrative may be left wanting.
