Drawing inspiration from mythology and fairy tales, Netflix’s 2022 release “Troll” has a lot going for it. The gnome creature niche is not a heavily populated cinematic area. Many have tried. But aside from my favorites, 2010’s Troll Hunter and Border, there aren’t many great films on the topic. The “Troll” movie is set in the Norwegian landscape against the Dovre mountain. Lore and myth serve as a central point for later in the title, when governments intervene to rid their idyllic region of a gigantic Christian-eating monster.
After watching this title, I felt it was loaded with emotion and reminiscent of many Hollywood monster movies. Jurassic Park already taught us that “nature will find a way” and that once we let some things out, they are destined to walk amongst us. King Kong showed us that sometimes the things we fear also had lives before they found themselves ambling around cities and smashing up buildings. They have feelings too, and Troll manages to take one of our favorite aspects of those two things to create some empathy for the troll featured in this story. I really liked the introduction of who the King was and his background.
Made of Earth and Stone
The backstory is told nicely, albeit given less of a spotlight than it probably deserved. In trying to create a thrilling and chaotic atmosphere in problem-solving, what to do with this massive man, made of mountain rock, we were instead treated to the type of stupidity in character arcs that are usually reserved for slasher flicks low-brow comedy. The Government authorities are the type of figures that grate on the nerves and make bumbling one-minded decisions. Roar Uthang also directed The Wave, a Norwegian disaster movie I liked quite a lot. However, in a similar vein, the powers that be pose much the same viewpoints when deciding on what to do during tense times.
There are also a few odd plot holes in Troll that add to the confusion when it comes to the human element of the action and adventure movie. In the face of the population of Norway seeing the Norse fables about the creature, and Nora’s dad, Tobias, being a local expert, everyone still balks at the concept of the goblin’s existence. But that’s part and parcel sometimes in storylines that don’t want the universe-building aimed at a higher level.
Then there’s the CGI. I adored the special effects in the Troll movie. Special Effects creator Alexander Solem did a superb job bringing this particular mythical creature to life.
2025 Update: With Troll 2 now confirmed and renewed audience interest in Scandinavian myth-based cinema, Roar Uthaug’s Troll (2022) has aged remarkably well. What once felt like a self-contained creature feature now reads as the first act of a broader folklore revival. In hindsight, its restraint, the grounded tone, the focus on family ties and national legend makes it stand out among Netflix’s louder monster catalog. Audiences returning to it today will find the craftsmanship in the VFX and the emotional undercurrent between Nora and Tobias even stronger than memory suggests.
Watch the Sequel to Troll 2022’s Trailer
Read about the new 2025 film on MovieWeb
Sure, the cult classic favorite film isn’t perfect, but I’d happily watch this title again.
Troll 2022 is rated
4 “Believe with your heart” out of 5
The Troll Movie Characters
- Nora Tidemann – Daughter of Tobias, an archeologist.
- Andreas Isaksen – Consultant to the State Minister.
- Kaptein Koristoffer – All-round Army man and friend.
- Berit Moberg – State Minister.
- Tobias Tidemann – Local Troll expert and known conspiracist.
- Director
- Roar Uthaug (The Wave and Tomb Raider 2018)
- Writers
- Espen Aukan
- Roar Uthaug (story by)
- The Troll Movie Cast
- Ine Marie Wilmann
- Kim Falck
- Mads Sjøgård Pettersen
