Viking Wolf (2022) Review

"Viking Wolf: A Unique Twist on the Werewolf Myth"

Viking Wolf, Norway's first werewolf film, has made its debut on Netflix. Directed by Stig Svendsen and co-written by Espen Aukan, the movie promises to deliver a fresh take on the classic werewolf myth. Set in a small Norwegian town, the film follows the story of Thale Berg, a teenage girl who moves to Nybø after the death of her father.

As she struggles to cope with the loss and tension in her relationship with her mother, a frazzled cop, Thale encounters the titular beast at a party. A large wolf drags a partygoer to her death, but not before biting Thale. As Thale's condition worsens, her mother takes the advice of a visiting werewolf hunter and sets out to confront the monster, who turns out to be Thale herself.

Viking Wolf takes the trademarks of modern Scandi-noir and applies it to a creature-feature. The film's unique take on the werewolf myth sets it apart from other werewolf movies. Instead of the typical origin story, the filmmakers have adapted the myth to better fit the Scandinavian environment. The end result is a fresh, albeit flawed, addition to the werewolf genre.

However, the film's overall execution is less effective. The werewolf design may disappoint fans of humanoid designs as it resembles a common wolf, only larger and less kempt. The CGI used for the werewolves also detracts from the film's otherwise realistic presentation. The mother-daughter story doesn't reach its full potential, and the outcome is as sterile as the film's aesthetic.

Despite its shortcomings, Viking Wolf's setting and regional lore make it a standout film in the werewolf genre. While it may not be the most thrilling or action-packed movie, it offers a unique twist on a classic myth that will surely keep you engaged.

Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, "Viking Wolf" is a thrilling take on the werewolf mythos. The film, billed as Norway's first werewolf movie, does not disappoint and delivers on its promise of a wild lycan terrorizing a small town. Directed by Stig Svendsen and co-written with Espen Aukan, the film offers a unique twist on the classic werewolf story, adapting the myth to better fit the Scandinavian setting.

The film follows Thale Berg, a teenage city transplant who moves to a town called Nybø after the death of her father. Thale's relationship with her mother, Liv Mjönes, is strained, and the stress of a recent murder case, in which her mother is the lead investigator, only adds to the tension. It is during a party that Thale first encounters the werewolf, resulting in her being bitten.

"Viking Wolf" takes on the look and feel of a typical Scandinavian police procedural thriller, with breathtaking shots of rural landscapes and a frazzled cop trying to solve a murder case. However, the film sets itself apart with its distinctive mythos, creating a werewolf that is both unique and grounded in reality. Despite its originality, the film falls short in its execution, with a predictable plot and underwhelming special effects.

The werewolf design, while realistic, may disappoint fans of more humanoid designs. The creature looks like a larger, wild wolf, which adds to the film's grounded and no-nonsense approach. The chase and confrontation scenes with Thale, now transformed into a werewolf, are also lackluster, with unconvincing special effects pulling the audience out of the action.

Overall, "Viking Wolf" is a flawed but unique addition to the werewolf genre. The mother-daughter story, while touching, does not reach its full potential, and the film's aesthetic and pacing leave much to be desired. Nevertheless, the film's setting, regional lore, and fresh take on the werewolf mythos make it worth a watch for fans of the genre.