We live in an amazing time where we can easily access cinema from all over the world, including Norway. "Troll" is a Netflix original that brings Norwegian folklore to the modern age. As the title suggests, it's a straightforward monster movie about a massive, ancient troll awakening and causing havoc.
The protagonist, Nora, is a paleontologist who was deeply influenced by her father’s eccentric theories about nature and myths during her childhood. When a mysterious entity begins a path of destruction through the Norwegian mountains, Nora is summoned by the government to investigate. She quickly realizes the "monster" is a legendary Troll and searches for a way to stop it before it reaches Oslo. The story follows a familiar path: uncovering the creature’s weakness—sunlight—to bring it down.
While "Troll" offers a unique cultural twist on the giant monster genre, the scale and action feel somewhat modest compared to Hollywood blockbusters. The pacing isn't particularly dynamic, and the film seems more focused on delivering a message: "Do not disturb nature." Ultimately, the movie leaves you feeling that humanity is the true villain. The Troll isn't inherently evil; it simply wants to return home and even shows a moment of tenderness by saving a child. Yet, it meets its tragic end due to human intervention, much like its ancestors did in the past.
I was personally hoping Nora would find a way for humans and the Troll to coexist, but the film opted for a more traditional, albeit somber, ending. Unfortunately, the characters weren't particularly magnetic or "quirky" enough to leave a lasting impression, and even the Troll's design felt a bit underwhelming. Everything about the movie felt like it was missing that "one special spark." Despite a teaser for a sequel, I’m not entirely sure if the demand will be there. However, if you're curious about Norwegian folklore, it's worth a casual watch.
