Movie Review: The Troll Hunter

By Angela Roberts

Aug. 6, 2011

Troll Hunter poster

If there’s any country that seems suited to a movie about monstrous trolls walking the Earth and being hunted by a world-weary hunter, it’s Norway. The folkloric tradition in Norway is full of legends of trolls. Anyone familiar with the metal scene is also aware of the rich history of Norwegian folklore and paganism, and the tension between Christianity and the older persistent traditions. All of that comes together in the Norwegian found-footage film, The Troll Hunter. Set in the wild forests and back country of Norway, the film purports to be the lost documentary footage shot by a trio of young filmmakers as they investigate the activities of a possible bear poacher who turns out to be hunting a far more dangerous quarry; trolls. They chase the taciturn hunter down, follow him until he agrees to do an interview and then accompany him on his hunts, with the whole thing coming to a head in a great battle against a troll the size of a skyscraper.

Plenty of effort is made in this film to draw the viewer in, and make even the least believable elements of the film acceptable. The characters are engaging; it’s very much a duo film, with Hans the hunter being played off Thomas, the leader of the filmmakers. Hans is convincing; he’s cold, world-weary, experienced, and possesses a wry sense of humour. And perhaps a little lonely too; one might get the sense that he lets the filmmakers tag along not just to piss off his boss, but also because he craves attention. He likes being seen as an expert in something, and he likes being listened to. Thomas is naïve, confident, cynical yet optimistic; all the qualities he needs to get through this movie. Because things get dire sometimes. And someone not like Thomas wouldn’t stick with it as long as he does. All in all, this pairing is essential to the film. Sadly, it means that little to no character development is allocated to the other two filmmakers, Johanna and Kalle, or to Hilde the Veterinarian who helps Hans with his work, or even to Finn, Hans’ boss.

The film’s only real downside is that it’s just not scary. Or funny enough. The film seems poised between doc-horror and mockumentary, two genres that are exceedingly difficult to pull off, and doesn’t quite work as either. It’s not funny. And the minute those CGI trolls appear, it’s definitely not frightening. It’s not that the CGI is bad; it’s quite good. The design is very aesthetically interesting; it immediately evoked images of Grendel from Beowulf. But it’s obvious, no matter how they adjust the lighting. No one would believe those monsters are real, no matter how well-thought-out the pseudoscience.

The strength of the film lies in its value as original entertainment. It has a fresh approach to the folklore. It has engaging characters. It’s got an interesting plot. But don’t expect it to evoke strong emotions. Just appreciate it for what it does well.

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