Viking Wolf

Viking Wolf, Norway's inaugural werewolf film, lives up to its promises. This recent addition to Netflix's collection delivers on its premise, offering a thrilling tale of a savage lycanthrope prowling a quaint Norwegian town. However, director Stig Svendsen takes a departure from the conventional origins found in such stories, opting to adapt the werewolf myth to better suit the Scandinavian backdrop. The result is a distinctive yet imperfect addition to the genre.

Despite its initial impression as a cheesy title, Viking Wolf (originally Vikingulven) takes itself seriously. Drawing inspiration from the trademarks of modern Scandi-noir media, the film merges elements of a creature-feature with a tinge of darkness. The narrative revolves around Thale Berg (Elli Rhiannon Müller Osbourne), a teenage newcomer from the city who relocates to the town of Nybø following her father's passing. The strained relationship between Thale and her mother (Liv Mjönes), shaped by the weight of grief, plays a pivotal role in Thale's fate. It is at a party that Thale has her initial encounter with the eponymous beast, witnessing a gruesome attack that leaves her with a fateful injury.

Viking Wolf adopts the visual style of a typical Scandinavian police-procedural thriller, featuring sweeping wide shots of tranquil rural vistas. While undeniably beautiful, these scenes lack the distinctiveness that could elevate them beyond the ordinary. Thale's mother, burdened with the role of a frazzled cop, becomes consumed by the task of uncovering the truth behind the tragic events that befell both the unfortunate partygoer and her own daughter. The strain of the investigation further compounds the already tense atmosphere within their household. Thale's resentment towards her mother, stemming from her father's loss, explains her reluctance to seek help as her condition deteriorates.

Co-writers Svendsen and Espen Aukan (Troll) introduce a unique mythos for their werewolf, injecting a touch of originality into the film. However, beyond this aspect, Viking Wolf falls short on the front of innovation. Thale's coming-of-age curse is a familiar trope we've witnessed before and will likely encounter again. The eventual rampage through the town brings to mind the classic benchmark of the subgenre, An American Werewolf in London. Predictability pervades the film, leaving little room for surprises and diminishing its overall impact.

The werewolf design may disappoint fans of more humanoid representations. The creature's resemblance to a common wolf, albeit larger and more unkempt, aligns with the film's commitment to realism. While not shying away from fantastical elements, Viking Wolf maintains a grounded approach in its execution. Thale's mother heeds the advice of a visiting werewolf hunter, leading to a chase and confrontations with her transformed daughter. Regrettably, these sequences lack imagination, and the CGI employed for the werewolves falls short, hindering immersion as the monster closes in on its prey.

Were it not for its setting and incorporation of regional lore, Viking Wolf would risk fading into obscurity. The film's bloodshed and action are modest compared to others in its category, and the pacing often drags. The potential of the mother-daughter relationship remains unfulfilled, resulting in an outcome as sterile as the film's aesthetic.

In summary, Viking Wolf manages to make its mark by embracing its Norwegian backdrop and weaving in local mythology. While it falls short in certain aspects, such as its predictability and underwhelming action, the film's commitment to authenticity and regional identity ensures it remains a noteworthy addition to the werewolf genre.

Despite its flaws, Viking Wolf possesses redeeming qualities that make it worth exploring. The film successfully captures the essence of Norwegian folklore and weaves it into the narrative, offering a fresh take on the werewolf mythology. The incorporation of local traditions and cultural elements adds depth to the story, immersing the audience in a distinct Scandinavian atmosphere.

Furthermore, the performances of the cast, particularly Elli Rhiannon Müller Osbourne as Thale Berg, breathe life into the characters and provide emotional depth to the film. Osbourne's portrayal of a conflicted teenager grappling with grief and her newfound affliction adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Liv Mjönes delivers a compelling performance as Thale's mother, capturing the internal struggle of a woman torn between her duty as a cop and her love for her daughter.

Despite its shortcomings in terms of visual effects, Viking Wolf manages to generate moments of tension and suspense. The film effectively builds anticipation as it explores the psychological and physical transformation of Thale, drawing viewers into her nightmarish journey. The use of practical effects and practical makeup adds a touch of authenticity to the portrayal of the werewolf, compensating for the limitations of the CGI.

Moreover, the film's exploration of themes such as grief, identity, and the struggle between instinct and control provides a thought-provoking backdrop for the horror elements. It delves into the psychological turmoil of the characters, offering a deeper understanding of their motivations and fears. The exploration of the mother-daughter relationship adds an emotional anchor to the story, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by both characters.

In conclusion, Viking Wolf may have its flaws, but it successfully leaves an imprint as Norway's first werewolf film. It embraces its Scandinavian roots, infusing the narrative with regional mythology and cultural nuances. The performances and emotional depth of the characters elevate the film, while its exploration of themes adds layers of complexity to the story. Despite the limitations of its visual effects, Viking Wolf manages to deliver moments of tension and suspense, immersing viewers in a captivating and unique werewolf tale.