Mortal

Mortal is a 2020 Norwegian-American fantasy adventure film directed by Andre Ovredal. The film stars Nat Wolff, Iben Akerlie, and Priyanka Bose. The movie tells the story of a young man named Eric (played by Wolff) who discovers that he has supernatural abilities that align with the powers of an ancient Norse god called Thor. As he struggles to understand his newfound powers and protect the people he cares about, he must also evade the Norwegian authorities who see him as a threat.

The movie begins with Eric, an American backpacker traveling through Norway, meeting a group of locals who take him in after he is injured in a freak accident. Soon after, Eric starts exhibiting strange abilities, such as creating electrical charges and inducing lightning strikes. As he struggles to understand what is happening to him, he meets a biologist named Christine (played by Akerlie) who helps him uncover the truth about his past and his connection to the Norse gods.

As Eric unlocks his powers, he discovers that he is indeed skin and bones, only containing his powers. This leads to some danger, and after a particularly traumatic incident, he realizes that his powers come with a great responsibility. He is not alone in this wild ride; US intelligence is on his tail, always trying to capture him and extract information about his origins.

The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful landscapes of Norway captured on camera. The special effects which represent the use of the supernatural powers are also impressive, especially in the climactic scene of the film. The score by Marcus Paus accentuates both the beauty of Norway and the power of the Norse mythology behind it.

One of the most significant strengths of Mortal is its cast, particularly Nat Wolff, who gives a compelling performance in the lead role. Wolff brings heart and depth to a character who is struggling to come to terms with his new identity, and his chemistry with Akerlie's Christine gives an added layer of realism to the story. Priyanka Bose, who plays a US intelligence officer tasked with capturing Eric, also gives an excellent performance as an antagonist who is more than just a two-dimensional villain. The supporting cast, including Per Frisch as a local police officer and Arthur Hakalahti as a fellow backpacker, round out the film's ensemble with strong performances.

Mortal is more than just a superhero origin story - it is a film about identity, responsibility, and the power of myth. The Norse mythology elements are integrated into the story in a way that feels authentic and adds depth to the character's motivations. The film also explores themes of family, grief, and trauma, which are handled sensitively and give the audience greater empathy for Eric's journey. In the end, the audience is left with a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, Mortal is an excellent film that combines elements of fantasy, mythology, and action to create a unique and compelling story. The film's talented cast, stunning visuals, and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of the genre or anyone who loves a good adventure story.