From Shane Conto

Which directors would you describe as “vibe” filmmakers? Their films might have the most memorable narratives or characters but watching their films is quite the cinematic experience. Some of their efforts might hit other beats and they can certainly deliver well rounded films on occasion. But at the end of the day, we remember the visual, musical, and atmospheric elements of their films the most. Despite having a modern classic like Drive, Nicolas Winding Refn will always be best known for how visually arresting and impactful his films have been. 

What is Winding Refn’s most unique and underseen film since making the jump to English language films? Valhalla Rising. This is a brutal historical epic that focuses on the journey of a young boy and silent pagan warrior who find themselves on a journey of Crusaders. The biggest selling point to the film has to be the visceral experience you have being lost in this most ancient time period. Centuries ago, this story navigated the mountainous wastelands of Northern Europe. There are breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes with mountains, lakes, and rocky terrains drenched in starkness. Even the visual language of the film feels so intense and striking in the way it captures the natural world. The violence on screen matches the gray of the world around it. There is an intensity in all the action that fills out this film. This one will put you on edge from the start and never let you go. 

What other selling point makes Valhalla Rising such an interesting and worthwhile experience? Mads Mikkelsen. Winding Refn cut his teeth on his Pusher franchise and that is where his working relationship with Mikkelsen began as well. You have seen so many villainous turns from Mikkelsen at this point from James Bond to Indiana Jones to Wizarding World to Marvel but his best performances have always been his protagonists. His strongest approach to acting is when he does much less talking and much more physical acting. Few actors are able to emote so much with minimal facial movements. His silent, intense, and brutal performance in Valhalla Rising is something to behold. He set the stage for Ryan Gosling to become this type of protagonist in Drive and Only God Forgives but watching Mikkelsen do it is something entirely unique. There is just so much power in the performance and it's hard to pay attention to. 

How does Valhalla Rising overcome its loose and flimsy narrative elements? Outside of the direction and Mikkelsen, there is some rich thematic stylings as well when it comes to religion. Mikkelsen portrays an enslaved pagan who is certainly at odds with the uber Catholic crusaders who they meet along the way. There are plenty of faith-based conflicts along this 93-minute journey. Winding Refn explores the tension and conflict that can arise from differing perspectives. Religion has caused so much war, pain, and suffering over the centuries and Valhalla Rising does not pull punches in just how brutal humanity can be in the name of their faith. The narrative might be loose but the vibes and atmosphere are so impactful that this film is worth experience for at least once.

Valhalla Rising is available on multiple streaming platforms.

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