Netflix’s Troll (2022), directed by Roar Uthaug, is a visually stunning modern reimagining of Norse mythology, where ancient legends awaken in the heart of contemporary Norway. The story follows paleontologist Nora Tidemann, who is called upon by the government after a mysterious explosion in the mountains unleashes something massive — a creature that has been sleeping for a thousand years.
What makes Troll captivating is not just the spectacle of a giant made of stone marching through cities, but the emotional and cultural weight it carries. The film merges Norway’s folklore with Hollywood-scale disaster aesthetics, giving audiences a rare blend of fantasy and national identity. Every roar of the Troll feels both terrifying and tragic — a creature misunderstood, punished for existing in a world that no longer believes in magic.
Ine Marie Wilmann delivers a grounded and heartfelt performance as Nora, portraying both the awe of a scientist and the sorrow of a daughter confronting her father’s forgotten beliefs. The cinematography captures Norway’s raw beauty — mountains, mist, and myth — turning nature itself into a character. The soundtrack, heavy and mythic, intensifies the sense of grandeur and loneliness.
While some critics may point out predictable plot beats or similarities to Godzilla and King Kong, Troll stands apart because it doesn’t glorify destruction — it mourns the loss of connection between humans and nature. The final scene, quiet yet profound, leaves you questioning who the real monster is: the creature made of stone, or the humans who have forgotten their roots.
⭐ Verdict: 8/10
A beautifully shot, emotionally rich monster film that transforms Norwegian folklore into a modern fable about belief, memory, and coexistence.