‘The Nordic’

In theaters

Anderson Templeton

Let’s talk about “The Northman!”

From the visionary and slightly disturbing mind of Robert Eggers (director and co-writer of the infamous “The Lighthouse”) comes his visionary take on an old Viking legend of Prince Amleth. Brutal and beautiful, the cinematic style of “The Northman” resembles a combination of the realism of 2004’s “King Arthur” and the artistry of “The Green Knight.” It’s certainly not as weird as “The Green Knight”, or “The Lighthouse”, thank goodness, but it definitely uses imagery uncommon in mainstream Hollywood films, embracing the more animalistic aspects of Norse mythos.

“The Northman” follows the quest for revenge of Prince Amleth, played by Alexander Skarsgård, eldest son of actor Stellan Skarsgård (among other roles, the murderous Saxon king in the aforementioned “King Arthur”). As a child, Amleth witnesses his uncle murder his father (Ethan Hawke) and kidnap his mother (Nicole Kidman). a Viking-style revenge on his uncle and a desperate rescue plan for his mother.

What I enjoyed most about ‘The Northman’ was learning that it’s based on the Norse legend that inspired William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, and I absolutely love discover all these similarities. It’s a lot do not the story of Hamlet, but instead contains key elements that constitute the most memorable aspects of Shakespeare’s magnificent tragedy. Which is just another reminder of how much of a “world mythology fanboy” Shakespeare was, coming up with his own masterful fan-fiction inspired by an array of other stories.

Overall, while brutal and devastating, “The Northman” is a cinematic masterpiece well worth a moviegoer’s time – but those looking for a light-hearted adventure might want to pass this one up.

[Suggested emojis: Thumbs Up, Suprised Face]

‘The aviary’

Pay per view

Amber-Rose Reed

“The Aviary” begins with its two main characters, Jillian (Malin Ackerman) and Blair (Lorenza Izzo), fleeing a cult across the desert, though they disagree on whether or not they should use the c-word to describe Starlight, the organization run by Seth (Chris Messina).

Spoiler alert: they should. If you wonder whether or not you are in a cult, you are in a cult.

Starlight clearly invokes NXIVM, Keith Ranieri’s “multi-level marketing system” for sex trafficking and torture, from its sweater-wearing cult leader and blond second-in-command to its “expensive brainwashing” operations. to the mutilation suffered by its members. when they reach a certain level.

“The Aviary” is largely about the traps we build for each other and for ourselves. Seth, the seemingly mild-mannered leader of Starlight, built his organization by breaking down personal barriers with extended “therapy” sessions and endurance trials. He claims to liberate his followers, but as Blair says, “He didn’t liberate us. He locked us in a prettier cage.

As difficult as it was for her to realize this, it is even more difficult to escape.

The film’s greatest successes are its lead roles and the sets. The New Mexico setting is full of rocks, sand, and brush, and the trek through the dusty atmosphere matches the deteriorating relationships — and mental state — of the main characters. The dark color palette is occasionally interrupted by candy-colored lights symbolizing Seth and Starlight.

Both Ackerman and Izzo are very strong in their respective roles, with great chemistry that holds the viewer’s attention throughout their long journey, as they struggle to hold each other down, think they could both become crazy and fight growing mistrust.

“The Aviary” certainly grabbed my attention, with solid suspense when it wasn’t trying too hard and a really strong middle that included a creepy loop centered around an old mission in the desert. Without the leads he had, the film would have been much less convincing. As it stands, it’s worth watching if you’re looking for an interesting VOD watch for a night out.