Troll 2

Review by Balti

Release Date

1st December 2025

Should I watch this movie?

Troll 2 erupts onto the scene, an epic and awesome saga ignited by Tobias Tidemann's chilling tale to his daughter Nora: a forgotten era where humans and trolls coexisted in fragile harmony, brutally shattered when the Christian King Olaf unleashed the sun's fiery wrath, decimating Norway's troll kind before cruelly entombing the Troll King and his lineage deep underground. Thirty years later, the echoes of that ancient betrayal resonate as Nora now lives a solitary existence in a remote cabin, three years after her own harrowing encounter with the formidable Troll King. But the past refuses to stay buried; a new, perilous quest propels her to the fortified heart of Vemork, where she infiltrates a top-secret underground research facility run by the enigmatic Marion Rhadani, housing not only a colossal, hibernating troll codenamed "Jotun" but also ancient, forbidden documents penned by the very hand of King Olaf himself. Reuniting with the weary Professor Møller and the driven Professor Wangel, Nora feels an irresistible pull towards the sleeping titan, her voice rising in a haunting melody – a song of forgotten ages, whispered to her by her father, Tobias, now ready to awaken forces beyond comprehension. As the ancient lullaby fills the cavern, it promises to shatter centuries of silence, stirring not just a slumbering giant, but the very fabric of a world poised on the brink of a fantastical, earth-shattering awakening.

A mere glimpse of the Troll trailer ignited a strange curiosity, but it was the unexpected appearance of Troll 2 on Netflix that truly sealed my fate, compelling me to devour both films in a back-to-back marathon of pure, unadulterated enjoyment, a bizarre escapade that surprisingly stirred nostalgic echoes of children's classics like Gummy Bears. Deep within this fantastical realm, where the echoes of historical conflicts like Christianity's obliteration of paganism in Europe resonated through ancient animosities, the tension was palpable as Nora and her intrepid team bravely attempted to broker peace between the formidable Jotun and the gentle Beautiful. Their fragile truce shattered in a heartbeat, however, when Jotun, with a swift, brutal betrayal, attacked Beautiful, sending him plummeting into the icy depths of a fjord, a desperate flight for survival the only option left for the fleeing team. Regrouping from their harrowing escape, a guilt-ridden Nora confessed her prior, secret communication with Beautiful, a revelation that allowed Marion to deduce Jotun's vengeful path along an ancient pilgrimage route leading directly to Trondheim, Olaf's former capital. The climax of their perilous journey saw them unearthing Olaf's hidden tomb within the hallowed confines of Nidaros Cathedral, where a crucial missing piece of an ancient document unveiled a pivotal revelation: Olaf, far from being a foe, had experienced a profound change of heart, choosing instead to grant the beleaguered trolls a sacred sanctuary.

Main Cast

Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Sara Khorami, Jon Ketil Johnsen, Gard B. Eidsvold, Aksel Almaas,Trond Magnum

Performance

The electric performances from Ine Marie Wilmann and Pål Richard Lunderby as Tobias Tidemann truly ignited the screen, making this film an absolute triumph of acting talent! Wilmann absolutely dominated her role, masterfully navigating the complex emotional landscape of a scientist torn between disbelief and a growing, primal understanding of the impossible; her portrayal of the sceptical believer was nothing short of captivating, a powerful force of nature. And what a revelation Pål Richard Lunderby was as the brilliant Tobias Tidemann, her on-screen father, delivering depth and gravitas that perfectly complemented Wilmann's dynamic energy, creating an unforgettable father-daughter dynamic. Discovering these incredible Norwegian talents for the first time was an exhilarating treat, a true cinematic treasure hunt culminating in pure joy! While a few minor characters, like the prime minister's sidekick or some of the army personnel, might have wavered slightly, the sheer momentum of the gripping story and the stellar leads bulldozed over any small imperfections, sweeping you away completely. Even with a plot that occasionally telegraphed its punches, Ine Marie Wilmann's performance was a powerhouse, single-handedly elevating every scene and keeping you absolutely hooked! Ultimately, the phenomenal acting prowess of Wilmann and Lunderby wasn't just convincing; it was a thrilling, unforgettable experience that left me utterly delighted!

Production

Directed by Roar Uthaug, story by Roar Uthaug, produced by Espen Horn and Kristian Strand Sinkerud.

Music & Soundtracks

Johannes Ringen's music is an absolute treat for the senses, immediately wrapping you in its wonderfully easy-on-the-ears embrace. It possesses a delightful lightness and melodic grace that makes every listen a pure joy, effortlessly washing away any stress with its beautiful harmonies and captivating arrangements. You'll quickly discover yourself merrily humming along to its infectious tunes, and that exciting rush from its background scores is so utterly captivating, you'll be hitting replay just to experience it all over again. Indeed, Ringen has a magical touch for crafting soundscapes that not only sound fantastic but genuinely make you feel fantastic too.

History & Culture

The latest cinematic spectacle, featuring a colossal beast laying waste to an urban landscape, earned the lamentable distinction of being critically dismissed as a mere echo of Godzilla and King Kong, yet its uninspired destruction offered a stark, if unintentional, commentary on far deeper cultural obliterations. However, the film's glaring lack of imaginative depth tragically mirrors the historical invasions that have relentlessly scoured away indigenous heritage; just as Christianity aggressively supplanted paganism, its church bells actively ringing to scare away ancient trolls, this cinematic mimicry perpetuates a painful parallel, showcasing how Norwegian culture and folklore have been systematically diminished and destroyed over centuries. Thus, what critics perceived as simple narrative derivativeness unfolds into a sorrowful reflection of a nation's soul, actively erased and replaced, leaving behind a hollow echo where vibrant tradition once stood.