Netflix’s Troll is the chaotic new Scandi horror that’s trending right now

Ine Marie Wilmann as Nora in Troll

Credit: Netflix

Under Her Eye


Netflix’s Troll is the chaotic new Scandi horror that’s trending right now

By Kayleigh Dray

3 years ago

1 min read

The more terrifying parts of Norwegian folklore get a modern makeover in this dark (and deeply chaotic) Netflix Scandi horror film… 

If you’re a big fan of the Scandi noir genre, we have a newsflash for you: there’s far more to the world of Scandinavian cinema than tales of troubled detectives, corrupt politicians, excellent knitwear and twisted serial killers.

In fact, there’s a Nordic horror that has been trending on Netflix ever since it dropped last week – and it has sparked plenty of conversations on social media, too. 

“A Spielbergian Jurassic Park x Kong adventure film with a ton of heart and incredible effects,” reads one tweet about the film. 

“One of the year’s best films.”

Another adds: “Troll was absolutely incredible!”

Fair warning, though: a lot of people have admitted to crying at the end of the film, so you might need a box of tissues handy if you do dive in.

Need more information? Here’s what you need to know, then, about Troll.

What’s the plot of Troll?

The latest big-budget horror from screenwriter Espen Aukan, whose previous titles include the Norwegian film Vikingulven, this atmospheric horror sees palaeontologist Nora Tidemann launch an investigation when something monstrous begins to stir deep inside the mountain of Dovre.

Troll on Netflix: Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Captain Kris, Ine Marie Wilmann as Nora, Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen as Andreas Isaksen, Gard B. Eidsvold as Tobias

Credit: Netflix

The government is desperate for a logical explanation. As Nora soon discovers, though, there is absolutely nothing logical about what’s happening here – but will she be able to make anyone listen to her in time to save the people of Oslo?

Or, as per the official synopsis, “Something gigantic has awakened after being trapped for 1,000 years. Destroying everything in its path, the creature is fast approaching the capital of Norway. But how do you stop something you thought only existed in Norwegian folklore?”

Watch the trailer for Troll below:

Yup, you better believe that the eponymous Troll isn’t a metaphor… although, much like Godzilla before him, one imagines his story can be read as something of an allegory by viewers.

Who stars in Troll?

The talented Ine Marie Wilmann takes on the role of the aforementioned Nora in this deeply chaotic horror film.

Kim Falck, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Gard B. Eidsvold, Pål Anders Nordvi, Eric Vorenholt and Hugo Mikal Skår also lend their star power to Troll. And let’s not forget the gorgeous Norwegian landscape, which feels as much of a character in its own right.

Who is the director of Troll?

Roar Uthaug – as in, yes, the director of Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider – is the man helming this project. It’s worth noting, though, that the trailer for Troll feels far more like Uthaug’s The Wave; think an ensemble cast, sweeping shots of bleak landscapes, a frighteningly ominous tone and a story about humanity’s fight to survive against seemingly impossible odds.

Unlike The Wave, though, this disaster film is less focused on an 80-metre tall tsunami that destroys everything in its path, and more about… more about a gigantic troll forging its own path of destruction. Go figure.

When can we watch Troll on Netflix?

This Nordic horror film is set in the depths of winter, so it makes sense that it became available for streaming on 1 December.

Will you be tuning in?

Images: Netflix

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