Kraken (2026) Review: A Norwegian Myth Awakens in the Depths of Sognefjord

source: watch.plex.tv

Synopsis:

Kraken (2026) is a fantasy thriller film directed by Pål Øie and Sjur Aarthun. A marine biologist named Johanne is asked to travel to Vangsnes, Norway, to investigate a salmon farm at the deep of Sognefjord. At first, it seems like just a series of strange incidents: fish behaving oddly, equipment malfunctioning, and two teenagers brutally killed. All signs point to the depths of the fjord. There is something down there, something that has been awakened by the noise of technology and the construction of the salmon farm. Anything that moves or makes a sound will be destroyed. Together with Erik, Johanne must face the creature before it is too late.

Critics have praised the silent atmosphere of the Norwegian fjord, and the cold cinematography creates an incredibly chilling mood. The idea is also brilliant: sonar technology used to repel salmon lice ends up disturbing the Kraken sleeping at the bottom of the sea. When the monster finally appears, its scale is palpable. The Kraken’s design resembles a giant octopus, and its destructive attack sequences are devastating.

However, critics also point out that the film seems unsure of what it wants to be. It tries to be a serious commentary on ecology, but the final act devolves into pure monster chaos. Some of the underwater CGI has been criticized as poor, and the character development feels lacking.

This film stars: Mikkel Bratt Silset, Sara Khorami, Jenny Evensen, Hans Morten Hansen and more.

In my opinion:

I was drawn to this film because it is Norwegian. Monster, fantasy, or mythology films from America or Hollywood? That’s nothing new. I wanted to see how Norwegian filmmakers interpret this mythological creature. For context, the Kraken originates from Nordic mythology, specifically in the 13th-century Icelandic manuscript, Orvar-Oddr. It tells the story of two sea monsters named Hafgufa and Lyngbakr, who were threats to sailors at the time. These two beasts are believed to be the early representations of the Kraken

Returning to the film, it serves as a harsh indictment of humanity because, once again, it is humans who initiate ecological destruction. With technology, we create innovations to produce a “perfect” product. But in my opinion, nature does not always align with technology. Nature has its own soul and rhythm, and the presence of humans and technology often disrupts it. The Kraken, peacefully “asleep” at the bottom of Sognefjord, is disturbed by the frequency of a device called Sonic Lice, a tool used to drive parasites off salmon. It’s no surprise that this frequency awakens the monster.

I understand that the director wanted to build tension and mystery around the monster slowly. However, the pacing is fairly slow until the midpoint, and the goal is clear: to explain the origin of the monster’s awakening. As we reach the middle of the film, the Kraken gradually reveals itself. I commend the visuals, because the Kraken looks genuinely real and threatening. Supported by excellent sound design, the film’s tension rises significantly.

That said, I do take issue with the film’s logic. It’s common, of course, for thrillers to include foolish or illogical actions. Despite strong visuals and atmosphere, the characters themselves make the film feel flat. I have a few points: First, if they already know something massive is down there, why not shut the device off immediately? Erik himself knows that the high frequency of Sonic Lice is what enraged the monster. Second, if you’re in a life-or-death situation, would you really wait for your boss to arrive and make a decision? Third, at the end, why does Johanne try to fight a god-level monster instead of doing something simple, like running away from the area and letting the Kraken destroy it? The result… well, you’ll see.

But despite my criticisms above, I found the film satisfying. The Kraken is not portrayed as excessive or cartoonish. Instead, it is depicted as a majestic being that embodies the guardian of oceanic balance. Humans are given freedom to manage the sea, but if we cross the line, be prepared for the “guardian” to rise to the surface and unleash its wrath. En veldig god film!

For me this one is 7.5/10.