What Is The Story About?
Set in the European country Norway, Troll deals with an ancient monster from fairy tales that emerges in modern times. The small nation comes to a standstill when drilling in a cave leads to Troll coming out of hibernation.
The movie’s basic plot is how a team of unexpected heroes, a Paleontologist Nora Tidemann, Prime Minister’s personal secretary Andreas, and an Army Captain Kris come together to stop the Troll from creating havoc.
Performances?
The casting of Troll is good. Everyone looks the part and plays their roles neatly without going overboard. Ine Marie Willmann is the main lead as she takes centre stage in the narrative. She also has the best character arc and memorable moments, which further helps her register.
Ine Marie Willmann plays Tidemann, who is at loggerheads with the biggest forces politically. It’s a part that exudes confidence, but it is not cocky. She portrays that balance well. The additional layer involving her father gives her an emotional depth which, too, is easily done.
Kim Falck grows as the narrative progresses. Initially, he comes across one among the crowd, but slowly by the end manages to stand out among them. It is a confident yet awkward and all-heart kind of supporting character done right.
Mads Sjogard Petterson as Kaptein Kristoffer Holm is also good despite less screen time and command as a character. He quickly builds a friendly relationship with the other two key players, which is essential for the story to progress. And that’s a job well done.
Analysis?
Roar Uthaug directs Troll. It is a monster feature rooted in Norwegian folklore and cultural roots. The ‘monster’ here is a Troll directly related to local fairy tales.
The movie’s beginning neatly establishes the framework for the rest of the proceedings to take off. It is all about belief. However, it is slow, and nothing is new except the setting and the writing.
Despite the slow pace, there is no wasting time concerning the plot moment. It jumps from one key point to another, sometimes making things look a little rushed. But, the slow pace makes one understand the context and content well.
The connection between the father and daughter to the main creature, Troll, is done well. There is a neat emotional drama that is not too heavy and simultaneously not entirely underwritten. It works well for the story at hand.
The problem with Troll is related to the events concerning the actual monster. They lack the wow factor barring a scene or two. It brings down the overall excitement. The lack of thrills hurts as the rest of the proceedings take a formulaic approach.
The transition between the acts is also well done, ticking all the boxes. But as it’s too apparent, a sense of predictability prevails all through. In the end, there is a feeling of been-there-done-that. The lack of any new twists and turns within the set space is ultimately the biggest issue with Troll.
The father’s character could have been better integrated into the narrative, especially his theories, which are written off as crazy initially. The religious angle, which is only superficially mentioned, could have given the history more bite if used adequately.
Overall, Troll is a decent monster thriller which ticks all the boxes related to the genre. The setting and the creature give little bouts of excitement, but one can’t shake off the overwhelming feeling of the lack-off freshness at the same time.
Other Artists?
Gard B Eidsvold has a small but impactful role. He does well as a guy who is branded crazy when he isn’t otherwise. All his interactions with the daughter add to the emotional depth. Anneke Von Der Lippe is a good addition to the cast, even though there is hardly any meat. But she helps in raising the profile of the cast in general. The rest of the actors are fine in their minor roles.
Music And Other Departments?
Johannes Ringen provides the background score. It is primarily functional, serving the purpose. The editing is smooth, with nothing flashy. The cinematography is also acceptable, setting in the right atmosphere for the fare. The writing is adequate, on the whole, but parts do look underwritten when seen in the entirety. The final knockout punch is missing.
Highlights?
Backdrop
Inter-Character Building
Performances
Drawbacks?
Lacks Excitement
Feels Formulaic
Rushed In Parts
Did I like it?
Yes, In Parts
Do I recommend it?
Yes, But With Reservations
Troll Movie Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
