Trollhunter is a film that has no right being as good as it is.
Synopsis
A group of student filmmakers investigating bear poaching uncover a secret government operation dedicated to hunting trolls.
My Thoughts
Trollhunter is one of those films that shouldn’t really work as well as it does, I mean, a film about giant trolls in the forests of Norway? Doesn’t really sound that good or interesting.
But it works.
It takes its time, and is a quiet, patient film. There’s no desperate need to shock or twist you here, as the absurdity of the premise carries enough weight on its own.
It should be nonsense, and somehow, it isn’t.
The film has a fantastic character in Hans, played by Otto Jespersen, who happens to be a Norwegian comedian as well as an actor.
And Hans is the most matter-of-fact troll slayer imaginable.
He trudges through forests with the weary demeanor of a man who has dealt with bureaucratic nonsense, bloodthirsty trolls, and probably poor Wi-Fi reception in equal measure. He’s also pretty funny, in a deadpan kind of way.
Trollhunter is a film that fully commits, and is better for it. The trolls are real, and no one in the film seems remotely surprised.
The world-building is subtle, but incredibly effective. We’re given bits and pieces to work with, and the film has a surprising amount of detail around it all.
But it doesn’t over-explain anything, it gives you just enough to feel like you’re learning something about creatures that obviously don’t exist.
The trolls look good too, especially considering the modest budget. Each species has a distinct design and movement style.
It’s bizarre, really. Somehow the mythical beasts look real, and the regular animals look like props from a school play.
This is a film that knows how to balance absurdity with seriousness expertly. It allows itself to be ridiculous without becoming silly. And that’s a surprisingly rare balance.
It’s just a well-executed idea taken seriously enough to be intriguing, and just lightly enough to be fun.
Just a story about a guy who hunts trolls for a living, trying to do his job while a bunch of nosy kids keep asking questions and getting bit. That’s the movie.
Yes, it is strange. But if you haven’t watched it, it will be one of the more unexpectedly enjoyable genre films you will stumbled across in a long time.
And if it leaves you looking a little harder at the trees next time you’re out for a walk in the woods, well, that’s just good filmmaking, isn’t it?
Trollhunter Trailer
Trollhunter on IMDB
Good Points
Original Concept – The premise of trolls exist and the government covers it up is ridiculous, but the film plays it completely straight. That level of commitment makes the absurd feel quite plausible.
World-Building – From the pseudo-science about troll biology to the obscure rules about territory and religious sensitivity, the film creates a surprisingly rich mythology.
Otto Jespersen as Hans – His deadpan, understated performance is brilliant. He feels like a guy who’s been doing this job for way too long, and just wants to be left alone with his trolls and his grumpy dignity.
The Norwegian Landscapes – The natural beauty of Norway looks fantastic. Dark forests, open tundras, and mountain passes add atmosphere without CGI.
Bad Points
Weak Supporting Performances – The student film crew actors are serviceable, but not especially that interesting. Their reactions feel a bit flat at times.
Religious Angle – The concept that trolls react violently to Christianity needed to be more fully explored I think, but it was interesting for what it was.
Is Trollhunter Worth Watching?
Yep, it’s weird, funny, and surprisingly well done.
Trollhunter takes a ridiculous idea, plays it totally straight, and somehow makes it work.
If you’re into dry humor, folklore, and giant creatures stomping through stunning landscapes, it’s definitely worth your time.
Where To Stream
Director and Cast
Director – André Øvredal.
Main Cast – Otto Jespersen, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Mørck, Tomas Alf Larsen, Hans Morten Hansen, Urmila Berg-Domaas, Robert Stoltenberg, Knut Nærum, and Eirik Bech.
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