Narvik: A Visually Stunning Yet Unremarkable War Retelling

The opening scene of Erik Skjoldbjærg’s Narvik (2022) is a stark, silent tableau: German soldiers disembarking in the frozen Norwegian harbor, their boots crunching on ice underfoot. The camera lingers on their faces—young, determined, and unyielding—as they survey the snow-laden landscape that will soon become a battleground. It’s an image that sets the tone for this war drama—a film that understands the brutality of battle but struggles to elevate itself beyond the familiar.

Skjoldbjærg’s Narvik is a historical retelling of Hitler’s first defeat in World War II, focusing on the Battle of Narvik in April 1940. The film follows Gunnar Tofte (Carl Martin Eggesbø), a Norwegian soldier, and his family as they navigate the chaos of war in their small Arctic town. The setting is starkly beautiful, with snow-laden landscapes and icy fjords providing a breathtaking backdrop to the conflict. Skjoldbjærg’s direction is restrained but effective, particularly in the film’s quieter moments—such as Gunnar’s tense standoff with German soldiers or his desperate mission to blow up a critical bridge that carries the iron ore out of town.

The action scenes are serviceable rather than groundbreaking. They lack the intricate tactical depth of films like 1917 (2019), but they do a decent job conveying the chaos and desperation of combat. The wider lens on these battles—showing the strategic importance of Narvik’s iron ore—adds a layer of geopolitical weight, though it occasionally feels like an afterthought rather than a driving force. The film’s pacing is steady but never thrilling, relying more on atmospheric tension than dynamic set pieces.

Where Narvik truly shines is in its exploration of moral dilemmas and human cost. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, showing not just the physical toll but also the emotional devastation on civilians. Kristine Cornelie M. Hartgen as Ingrid Tofte delivers a standout performance, conveying quiet strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Her scenes with her family are some of the most poignant in the film, grounding the larger historical narrative in personal stakes.

Henrik Mestad as Majoren is another highlight, bringing gravitas to his role as a Norwegian commander torn between duty and survival. His portrayal adds depth to the film’s moral questions, making the conflict feel more than just a series of strategic maneuvers. Christoph Bach as Den tyske konsulen (The German Consul) also stands out, embodying the cold, calculated ruthlessness of the Nazi regime.

Yet, for all its strengths, Narvik falters in its pacing and originality. The narrative often feels predictable, with familiar beats of war films—last stands, desperate missions, and moral quandaries—that don’t always land with the impact they aim for. The film’s reliance on well-worn tropes means it never fully escapes the shadow of other, more innovative war dramas like Dunkirk (2017), which managed to blend historical context with fresh storytelling.

The cinematography is undeniably stunning, with sweeping shots of Narvik’s icy landscapes providing a stark contrast to the brutality unfolding on screen. However, the film occasionally leans too heavily on these visuals, letting them carry emotional weight that should be borne by character development or narrative tension. The score, composed by Christine Hals, complements the visuals well but lacks the memorable motifs that could elevate key moments.

The film’s historical accuracy is commendable, and it does a good job of depicting the tactical maneuvers and strategic importance of the Battle of Narvik. However, this focus on authenticity sometimes comes at the expense of narrative engagement. Viewers with a deep knowledge of World War II history may find the film informative but uninspiring, while those less familiar with the subject might struggle to connect with the characters or the broader stakes.

Narvik is a solid but unremarkable entry in the war drama genre. It’s well-crafted and visually striking, with strong performances from its lead actors. However, it lacks the originality and narrative punch needed to stand out in a crowded field of historical war films. The film will likely appeal most to history buffs and fans of traditional war dramas but may leave casual viewers feeling underwhelmed.

In the end, Narvik is a competent but forgettable addition to the canon of World War II cinema.