3 Years On, A Brutal Masterpiece Is A Hit On Netflix (& It’s Unlike Anything You’ve Seen)

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Robert Eggers is known for his unsettling horror films like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and Nosferatu. He’s become a standout director in the current wave of popular horror, and he continues to create new work, including the upcoming Werwulf in 2026. But between horror projects, Eggers directed the historical epic The Northman, released in 2022. While the film received excellent reviews, it didn’t perform well in theaters. Now, The Northman is finding a wider audience as people discover it on streaming services.

According to FlixPatrol, which tracks how popular movies and shows are on streaming services, The Northman recently appeared among the top 10 films on Netflix. It reached number eight on their chart on December 5th. As of today, December 6th, it’s no longer in the top 10, but its brief appearance shows it was a popular choice for viewers at home.

The Northman Is Worth Watching, but It Is Not for the Faint of Heart

While The Northman received high praise for its beautiful visuals and grand scale, it’s understandable why it didn’t become a huge box office hit. Director Robert Eggers is known for making films that are different and thought-provoking, and this movie is no exception. Though marketed as a straightforward revenge story, the film is actually quite unusual and dreamlike, which makes it special. The Northman doesn’t try to appeal to everyone; it’s a clear reflection of Eggers’ unique style, and it powerfully immerses viewers in its historical setting with incredibly detailed design. If you have any interest in Norse mythology, The Northman is definitely worth watching.

Be warned: The Northman is a very violent movie. Director Robert Eggers stays true to the historical period and the story’s themes, and doesn’t shy away from graphic scenes, which are visually striking. If you’re easily disturbed, this film probably isn’t for you. However, if you enjoy intense, bloody revenge stories, you’ll likely find a lot to appreciate. The film is also boosted by fantastic performances from the entire cast, especially Alexander Skarsgård, who is perfectly suited for the demanding role of Amleth, delivering both impressive action and emotional depth. Alongside Skarsgård, the movie features a stellar cast including Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, and Willem Dafoe, all at their best.

One of the best things about The Northman is that it still feels distinctly like a Robert Eggers film, even with its bigger scope. It’s common for a director’s unique style to get diluted when working with a larger budget, but that didn’t happen here. Focus Features should be commended for supporting Eggers’ vision completely. They could have easily asked him to soften his approach, but instead, they fully embraced his style, making The Northman stand out from other films. It’s rare to see a revenge story with such a bold and unusual approach to storytelling.

Despite being overlooked by the Academy Awards, The Northman was considered one of the best movies of 2022 thanks to its powerful direction and captivating acting. If you enjoy intense historical dramas, it’s a film worth watching on Netflix before it’s no longer available.

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2025-12-06 20:40