A darkly comedic and thoroughly majestic beast.
Troll Hunter is not only an astonishing horror film, it is also a unique window into the folklore of another culture. The way this film blends together fairytale wonder and sinister chills into one 100 minute package is breathtaking, a truly unique experience.
Firstly, the film's acting is stellar. A collection of wonderfully charismatic and enjoyable performers, most of whom are actually well known Norwegian comedians (likely the reason for the films excellent comedic streak), who work the strong screenplay with as effortlessly as you our I breathe. Particular praise goes to Otto Jespersen, the tolljegeren himself, for whom I wish nothing but the most fruitful and successful of careers. The film's script is great also, mixing light exposition with naturalistic dialogue masterfully.
The film's greatest achievement is it's peerless atmosphere. There are only a handful of films which posses an atmosphere this fully formed or effective, it envelopes the audience like a layer of Norwegian snow and does not let go until long after the film ends. The wonderful shots of the Norwegian landscape, the intimacy of the 'found footage style', and the gorgeous dark lighting during the all important Troll scenes. The film both manages to feel like reading a fairytale, through its likable characters and Grimm reminiscent setting, and like the most unnerving of horror fare all at once.
Overall I cannot praise this tightly knitted blanket of a horror film more. I feel like I learned more about atmosphere, Norwegian culture, and the correct use of the 'found footage' style here, than in almost any other film. I implore you to watch this drop of fun and twisted magic for yourself.
Firstly, the film's acting is stellar. A collection of wonderfully charismatic and enjoyable performers, most of whom are actually well known Norwegian comedians (likely the reason for the films excellent comedic streak), who work the strong screenplay with as effortlessly as you our I breathe. Particular praise goes to Otto Jespersen, the tolljegeren himself, for whom I wish nothing but the most fruitful and successful of careers. The film's script is great also, mixing light exposition with naturalistic dialogue masterfully.
The film's greatest achievement is it's peerless atmosphere. There are only a handful of films which posses an atmosphere this fully formed or effective, it envelopes the audience like a layer of Norwegian snow and does not let go until long after the film ends. The wonderful shots of the Norwegian landscape, the intimacy of the 'found footage style', and the gorgeous dark lighting during the all important Troll scenes. The film both manages to feel like reading a fairytale, through its likable characters and Grimm reminiscent setting, and like the most unnerving of horror fare all at once.
Overall I cannot praise this tightly knitted blanket of a horror film more. I feel like I learned more about atmosphere, Norwegian culture, and the correct use of the 'found footage' style here, than in almost any other film. I implore you to watch this drop of fun and twisted magic for yourself.
Originally posted 26/10/14 on IMDB.com, as part of HALLOWEEN HORROR REVIEWS 2014
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