The Northman  ★★★★

THAT’S three out of three for Robert Eggers.

Rarely does a director give us three excellent films in a row; but better than that, Eggers has only made three films.

The Witch was a beautifully shot, lyrical horror film, The Lighthouse was a tour de force of film-making and acting.

Now we have The Northman which I think is the best of them, an immersive, poetic and challenging experience that commands the attention.

While the story of a Viking seeking revenge is simple, the visual and textual treatment is far from that.

Eggers surrounded himself with experts in Norse mythology to bring an authenticity to not only the tangible aspects like set design and locations but also the almost supernatural, transcendent nature of Viking customs and beliefs.

So we have meticulous attention to every detail sitting alongside talking severed heads and a climactic, stylised battle between naked warriors on the slopes of an exploding volcano.

The story is actually based on folklore that apparently may have also been one basis for Shakespeare’s Hamlet but fear not, ye wary of the Bard’s unique delivery, as Eggers’ story remains easily digestible throughout.

And what a bunch of performances from the likes of Alexander Skarsgard, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Anna-Taylor Joy and Willem Dafoe.

If you enjoy the likes of television’s Vikings, provided you have an open and enquiring mind to go with your bloodlust, you should revel in this one.

I think it’s fantastic and an unique vision from one of the best new directors around.