“Troll” (2022) brings a classic Scandinavian legend to life with a thrilling, action-packed twist. Directed by Roar Uthaug, known for his work on The Wave (2015), this Norwegian monster movie delivers on both spectacle and tension, offering a fresh take on the creature feature genre.

The story begins with the unexpected awakening of a massive troll in the Norwegian mountains, a creature long thought to be mythical. When the creature’s destruction threatens to rip through the countryside, it’s up to a small group of experts—including paleontologist Nora (played by Ine Marie Wilmann)—to understand the troll’s origin and find a way to stop it before it reaches the city of Oslo.

The visual effects in Troll are stunning, with the titular monster portrayed as an ancient, terrifying behemoth who is equal parts tragic and dangerous. The special effects team does a fantastic job making the troll feel real, with impressive details in its movements and scale, particularly during the film’s large-scale action sequences. The scenes where the troll destroys forests, buildings, and military forces are tense, thrilling, and visually impressive.

At the heart of the movie is the battle between humanity and nature, with the troll symbolizing the ancient, untamed forces that humans often underestimate. The film takes a somewhat reflective approach to the myth of the troll, depicting it not just as a mindless monster but as a creature connected to the natural world, whose anger is a response to human interference and exploitation of nature. This deeper layer of meaning gives the movie more emotional weight than typical monster fare.

The pacing of the movie is well-balanced, with moments of quiet tension building up to the explosive action scenes. The human drama, while secondary to the creature spectacle, is strong enough to keep the audience engaged. Nora’s character arc, which focuses on her struggle to reconcile her scientific understanding of the world with the reality of the supernatural, is compelling and gives the film a more personal touch.

Overall, Troll (2022) is a thrilling and visually stunning creature feature that combines modern monster movie tropes with deeper, more reflective themes. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it delivers an exciting, action-packed ride that fans of creature features and Nordic mythology will enjoy.