Mortal

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 28, 2020 (Norway)
November 6, 2020 (USA)

Genre
Fantasy, Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Nat Wolff as Eric
• Iben Akerlie as Christine
• Priyanka Bose as Hathaway
• Per Frisch as Bjørn
• Arthur Hakalahti as Ole
• Ania Nova as Henchwoman

Director
André Øvredal

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
• Trollhunter (2010)
• The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Producer
John M. Jacobsen, Espen Horn, André Øvredal

Writer
André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil

Budget
$6 million (estimated)

Production Company
42, Automatik Entertainment, Trollhunter Production

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English, Norwegian

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Intense sequences
• Some disturbing images

Movie Story
“Mortal” is a fantasy action-thriller that explores Norse mythology through the story of Eric (Nat Wolff), a young man who discovers he has god-like powers rooted in ancient mythology. The film opens with Eric living a solitary life in the Norwegian wilderness, haunted by mysterious and uncontrollable abilities that have already caused tragedy.

Eric’s life changes when he is apprehended by the authorities after accidentally killing a teenager with his powers. As he is held in custody, he meets Christine (Iben Akerlie), a sympathetic psychologist who tries to understand him and the source of his abilities. As Christine gets closer to Eric, she begins to realize that his powers are far more significant and dangerous than anyone could have imagined.

As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Eric’s powers are linked to ancient Norse gods, and he may be the reincarnation of Thor, the god of thunder. This revelation draws the attention of both the Norwegian government and a shadowy American agent, Hathaway (Priyanka Bose), who wants to capture and study Eric’s powers for her own purposes. As Eric struggles to control his abilities and understand his true identity, he is forced to confront both external threats and his inner turmoil.

The film builds tension through its exploration of Eric’s powers and their potentially catastrophic consequences. It combines elements of a superhero origin story with the dark, mystical atmosphere typical of Norse mythology. As Eric’s abilities grow stronger, the film raises questions about power, identity, and the responsibilities that come with great strength.

“Mortal” is a visually striking film, with its breathtaking Norwegian landscapes serving as a backdrop to the story’s intense and fantastical elements. The film’s mix of action, mythology, and emotional depth offers a unique take on the superhero genre, setting it apart from more conventional fare.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Mortal” are a key component of the film, used to depict Eric’s extraordinary powers and the devastating effects they can have. The film features impressive sequences of thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and other supernatural phenomena, all rendered with a high level of realism. The effects are integral to the story, effectively conveying the immense and often uncontrollable nature of Eric’s abilities.

Box Office Performance
“Mortal” had a limited theatrical release and was more widely distributed through digital and on-demand platforms. The film performed modestly at the box office but found a niche audience, particularly among fans of Norse mythology and those interested in darker, more introspective takes on the superhero genre.

Filming Locations

• Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
• Oslo, Norway
• Odda, Norway

Notable Quotes

• “Power is both a gift and a curse.” – Christine
• “I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I can’t control it.” – Eric

Behind-the-Scenes

• Director André Øvredal is known for his work in the horror genre, and he brings a similar dark, atmospheric style to “Mortal,” blending fantasy with elements of psychological horror.
• The film’s exploration of Norse mythology is grounded in authentic locations, with much of the movie filmed in the striking natural landscapes of Norway.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Mortal” is a compelling fantasy action-thriller that offers a fresh and darkly intriguing take on the superhero origin story, with its roots in Norse mythology. Nat Wolff delivers a strong performance as Eric, a young man struggling with the burden of immense power and the fear of what he might become. The film’s impressive visuals and atmospheric storytelling make it a standout for those interested in mythological themes and unconventional superhero narratives. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those expecting a more traditional action film, it is a thought-provoking and visually engaging experience.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10