Reviews: Mortal (2020) Movie Review
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Mortal (2020) shocked audiences with its ending. Our spoiler-free review explains the scares, themes, and what makes this film unforgettable.
Directed by André Øvredal, Mortal is a fantasy-thriller that blends Norse mythology with modern-day supernatural elements. The film follows Eric (Nat Wolff), an American backpacker in Norway who discovers he has god-like powers linked to ancient mythology. When he accidentally kills a teenager with an unexplained ability, he becomes a fugitive, hunted by authorities and scientists seeking to understand his origins. Along the way, he forms a fragile connection with Christine (Iben Akerlie), a psychologist who tries to help him unlock the truth behind his abilities.
Mortal (2020) – A Mythological Thriller with Wasted Potential
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film’s central theme revolves around power, responsibility, and self-discovery, heavily drawing inspiration from Norse legends. While it presents an intriguing premise, the execution is uneven, often prioritizing atmospheric tension over engaging storytelling.
Acting and Cinematography
- Nat Wolff delivers a subdued, brooding performance as Eric, portraying a man both terrified and confused by his abilities. While his approach is realistic, it often makes him feel emotionally detached, making it difficult for audiences to invest in his character.
- Iben Akerlie brings warmth and sincerity to Christine, adding a much-needed human element to the story.
- Priyanka Bose as Hathaway, the American government official, plays the stereotypical "ruthless investigator" role, though her presence adds little to the film’s emotional weight.
Cinematographically, Mortal excels with stunning Norwegian landscapes that provide a breathtaking backdrop for Eric’s journey. The film’s dark, moody color palette enhances its mystical and ominous tone, reinforcing the idea that Eric’s abilities are both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
André Øvredal, best known for Trollhunter and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, brings his signature slow-burn storytelling to this film. However, while Trollhunter balanced its pacing with gripping moments, Mortal struggles to maintain consistent tension, often feeling sluggish in its buildup.
Strengths:
- Unique Premise – Blending Norse mythology with a modern thriller is a compelling idea.
- Beautiful Cinematography – The Norwegian landscapes add a striking, immersive visual appeal.
- Slow-Burn Suspense – The film builds tension effectively in certain moments, creating an eerie, supernatural atmosphere.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Character Depth – Eric is emotionally distant, making it hard to connect with his struggles.
- Pacing Issues – The film’s slow-burn approach often drags, leading to moments that feel empty rather than suspenseful.
- Underwhelming Payoff – The third act fails to fully explore the mythological elements, ending abruptly with more questions than answers.
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
Mortal is a visually impressive but narratively underwhelming supernatural thriller. While its mythological elements and eerie atmosphere offer intrigue, the slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and lack of a satisfying resolution prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Mortal Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 4.65/10
- IMDB: 5.9/10
- MetaCritic: 2.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 5.5/10
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