Name: Troll
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Released: 2022-11-30T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Gard B. Eidsvold, Anneke von der Lippe

The opening shot of Roar Uthaug’s Troll (2022) is a breathtaking spectacle: the Norwegian mountainscape, vast and untouched, suddenly erupts as an ancient troll awakens from its millennia-long slumber. The sheer scale of the creature, its gnarled hands tearing through rock and earth, sets the tone for what promises to be an epic fantasy-adventure. Yet beneath this impressive spectacle lies a film that struggles to find its footing, delivering thrills but little else.

Uthaug, known for his straightforward disaster film The Wave (2015), brings a similar approach to Troll—one that prioritizes visual spectacle over narrative depth. The film follows Nora Tidemann (Ine Marie Wilmann), a fearless paleontologist tasked with stopping the troll from wreaking havoc across Norway. Alongside her are a team of officials, including Minister of Defence Frederick Markussen (Fridtjov Såheim) and Chief of Defence General Sverre Lunde (Dennis Storhøi). The premise is simple, almost clichéd: a scientist must save the world from an ancient threat.

Where Troll excels is in its execution of set pieces. Uthaug’s direction is polished, and he makes excellent use of Norway’s stunning landscapes to create a sense of scale and awe. The troll itself is a marvel—a towering creature that looms over the landscape with a mix of primal fury and unexpected vulnerability. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the film delivers on its promises of thrilling moments. However, these set pieces often feel disconnected from the broader narrative, as if they exist solely to showcase the troll’s destructive power rather than to advance the story.

The pacing is one of Troll‘s biggest issues. The shots are erratic and too quick, cutting between scenes without allowing enough time for emotional weight or tension to build. This hurried approach undermines the film’s potential for suspense and emotional depth. The story itself is predictable, relying on well-worn tropes and clichés that fail to engage on a deeper level. The dialogue often feels stilted, and the characters lack nuance, making it difficult to care about their plight.

The performances are a mixed bag. Wilmann holds her own as Nora, bringing a sense of determination and intelligence to the role. She is the film’s emotional anchor, and her performance is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable cast. Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen as Andreas Isaksen and Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Kristoffer provide competent support, but their characters are underdeveloped, leaving little room for growth or complexity. The film’s attempts at humor fall flat, and its emotional beats feel forced, particularly in the rushed and unsatisfying conclusion.

One of the more intriguing aspects of Troll is its attempt to ground the mythical creature in Norse folklore. Trolls, as depicted in Scandinavian folklore, are beings that dwell in isolated areas of rocks, mountains, or caves, often described as dangerous to human beings. The troll in Troll is not just a mindless monster; it has a conscience and refuses to harm children, presumably to safeguard the film’s PG-rating. This addition could have been fascinating if explored further, but it feels tacked on rather than integrated into the narrative.

The film’s ending is perhaps its most glaring weakness. It is dumb and far less than satisfying, leaving viewers with a sense of anticlimax rather than catharsis. The resolution of the troll’s rampage feels rushed and contrived, as if the filmmakers were more interested in wrapping up the story quickly than delivering a compelling conclusion.

Troll is not without its merits. Uthaug’s direction is competent, and the film delivers on its promises of thrilling set pieces and impressive visuals. However, these strengths are undermined by a lack of emotional intelligence, predictable storytelling, and rushed pacing. The film feels like a missed opportunity—a chance to explore the rich mythological heritage of Scandinavian folklore that was squandered in favor of a straightforward action-adventure.

In the end, Troll is a film for fans of spectacle over substance. It is a polished B-movie that delivers on its promises of thrills and excitement but fails to engage on a deeper level. For those looking for a mindless adventure, Troll may provide some enjoyment.