Directed by Roar Uthaug, the Norwegian action-fantasy film Troll (2022) stomps onto the screen with a roar — blending Scandinavian folklore, monster mayhem, and disaster movie thrills into a visually impressive, if somewhat familiar, cinematic experience. Released on Netflix, Troll offers an exciting ride through Norway’s rugged landscapes, wrapped in myth and mystery, with just enough heart to elevate it above a typical creature feature.
Deep within the Dovre Mountains of Norway, a massive creature awakens after centuries of slumber — a towering troll of ancient legend, long dismissed as myth. As it begins a destructive march toward Oslo, the government scrambles for answers and solutions, but nothing in modern science or military strategy can prepare them for what’s coming.
Enter Nora Tidemann (Ine Marie Wilmann), a brilliant paleontologist with a personal connection to Norwegian folklore. Alongside a ragtag team that includes a military captain, a tech-savvy aide, and her eccentric father who has long believed in trolls, Nora must unravel the truth behind the monster’s origins — and find a way to stop it before Norway’s capital is reduced to rubble.
Ine Marie Wilmann carries the film with a strong and grounded performance as Nora. She brings intelligence, emotion, and determination to the role, anchoring the film’s fantastical elements in human realism. Her chemistry with Gard B. Eidsvold, who plays her troll-obsessed father, adds a layer of emotional depth and generational contrast that gives the story more weight than expected.
The supporting cast fulfills their roles effectively, particularly in the military and political spheres, though many characters fall into familiar genre archetypes — the skeptical authority figure, the comic-relief sidekick, and the lone scientist who “knows the truth.”
The real star of Troll is, unsurprisingly, the troll itself. The visual effects team does a remarkable job rendering the creature as both terrifying and majestic. The troll’s massive scale, earthy texture, and expressive movement evoke a sense of ancient mystery, and the film wisely treats the creature with a mix of fear and awe.
Roar Uthaug (The Wave, Tomb Raider) directs with a steady hand, balancing large-scale destruction with intimate character moments. His use of Norway’s natural landscapes — vast mountains, snowy forests, and deep valleys — adds authenticity and grandeur to the setting.
The tone shifts between serious disaster thriller and light monster fantasy. Some viewers might find this blend uneven, but it works well overall, offering both spectacle and charm.
Troll is a solid entry in the creature-feature genre, distinguished by its Scandinavian flavor, strong visuals, and deep roots in folklore. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it delivers enough thrills, heart, and cultural uniqueness to stand out. It’s a monster movie that understands the power of mythology — and treats its legendary beast with the reverence it deserves.
