Masterfully-crafted (as you knew it would be), filled with bold choices and a singular vision, but I felt the runtime and thought the story could’ve been a tad more focused. I like a lot of the Viking mythology that’s presented and Eggers’ attention to detail in terms of the world he (re)creates, but it feels like the thing you’re really there for - i.e, the revenge - mostly takes a backseat.

I’m impressed by it on a filmmaking level and Eggers continues to prove he’s a generational talent; I just think the pacing could’ve been a bit better.

The narrative took some turns I didn’t expect in the best way, the violence is as brutal as you want it to be, and the cinematography is some of the best of the year. The other technical elements from the score to the production design are top-notch. The film just feels like a bit of a slog at times, albeit a very pretty, mystical and well-acted one.

Side note: I do love that a film as esoteric and auteur-driven as this was given such a large budget to work with.

8/10