The Northman – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Northman

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Robert Eggers' Viking revenge epic is visually stunning and mythologically rich—but also brutally violent, graphic, and absolutely not for kids.

7/10

90%

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The Northman

movie

R, 2022

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Robert Eggers' Viking revenge epic is visually stunning and mythologically rich—but also brutally violent, graphic, and absolutely not for kids.

90%

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Screenwise Verdict

The Northman is a serious piece of filmmaking—Robert Eggers doesn't compromise his vision, and critics rewarded that commitment. It's visually arresting, mythologically dense, and ambitious in ways most blockbusters aren't.

But let's be clear: this is an adults-only experience. The violence is relentless and graphic. The tone is dark and heavy. The 64% audience score tells you it's not for everyone—some people found it slow, others found it too brutal, and plenty walked out feeling punished rather than entertained.

If you're into Viking history, Norse mythology, or just want to see what happens when a director gets to make an uncompromising epic, it's worth your time. But keep the kids far, far away. This isn't Thor. This is what Vikings actually were—and it's not pretty.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults. The violence is graphic, the sexual content is explicit, and the emotional tone is punishing. Even at 17-18, viewers need to be mature and interested in serious, dark cinema. Not a family movie night pick unless your family is you and your adult friends.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a brutal Viking revenge saga soaked in blood, violence, and primal rage. The protagonist's entire arc is driven by vengeance, not cooperation or kindness. It's emotionally heavy, dark, and relentlessly grim—tonally the opposite of wholesome. There's sexual content, ritualistic violence, and a worldview centered on honor through killing. Not modeling healthy emotional processing.

Imaginative

Director Robert Eggers brings a visually stunning, mythologically rich interpretation of Viking culture that feels authentically weird and dreamlike. The film draws from Norse sagas and Hamlet, blending historical detail with hallucinogenic visions, Valkyries, and prophecy. It's ambitious, original in its commitment to period authenticity, and creates a fully realized world that feels both alien and immersive. The 90% RT critic score and 82 Metacritic reflect its artistic ambition.

Safe

Extremely unsafe for kids. Graphic violence throughout—beheadings, disembowelments, brutal combat. Nudity and sexual content including a graphic sex scene. Intense ritualistic sequences. Common Sense Media pegs it at 16+, but even that feels young. This is R-rated in every sense: gore, sexual content, disturbing imagery. The 64% audience score suggests general viewers found it intense. Nothing here is appropriate for children to stumble upon.

Enriching

For mature viewers interested in mythology, Viking history, or epic filmmaking, there's real substance here. It explores themes of fate, revenge, honor, and the cyclical nature of violence. The historical and mythological detail is meticulous. It's a thinking person's action film that rewards engagement with Norse culture and storytelling traditions. But it's enriching only for those old enough to process its darkness—not educational for kids.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visually spectacular and committed to historical/mythological authenticity in a way most Hollywood films aren't
Critics loved it (90% RT, 82 Metacritic)—this is serious filmmaking with artistic ambition
For adults into Viking history, Norse mythology, or epic cinema, it's a rare theatrical experience that doesn't dumb anything down
Explores complex themes of fate, revenge, and the cost of violence in a thoughtful way

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence throughout—beheadings, disembowelments, brutal hand-to-hand combat
Nudity and explicit sexual content
Dark, relentlessly grim tone; this is emotionally heavy and not escapist entertainment
The 64% audience score suggests it's polarizing—some found it too slow or too brutal
Absolutely not appropriate for anyone under 17, and even then, know your teen

Conversation Starters

"How does the film's depiction of Viking culture compare to what we learn in history class or see in Marvel movies?"
"The protagonist is driven entirely by revenge—do you think he made the right choices? What would you have done?"
"How does fate vs. free will play out in this story? Did Amleth have a choice in his path?"

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