In this video essay I analyze Robert Eggers’ the Northman and the psychological and cultural purpose of vengeance. How the need for vengeance can shape our identity. The Northman features Alexander Skarsgard, Anya Taylor Joy, Willem Dafoe, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang and others. It is a deeply violent Viking movie. Robert Eggers said with this film he wanted to make the ‘definitive Viking movie’.
Prince Amleth 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 seeress who reminds him of his vow — save his mother, kill his uncle, avenge his father. The Northman is co-written and directed by Robert Eggers and stars, Alexander Skarsgård; Nicole Kidman; Claes Bang; Anya Taylor-Joy; Ethan Hawke; Björk; Willem Dafoe
