If the 2022 Norwegian hit Troll was a wake-up call to the world that Scandinavia could do Kaiju movies just as well as Hollywood, then Troll 2 is the booming answer that echoes across the fjords.
Released on Netflix this week, Troll 2 doubles down on myth and mayhem without looking back. Directed once again by Roar Uthaug, this sequel knows exactly what it is—a loud, unapologetic monster spectacle built for pure entertainment. While critics might argue it lacks the subtle charm of the original, for fans of creature features, it delivers exactly what was promised: a bigger, badder, and louder ride.
The Plot: Enter the “Megatroll”
The story picks up a few years after the events of the first film. Paleontologist Nora Tidemann (Ine Marie Wilmann) is back, but the stakes have shifted dramatically. The Norwegian government’s secret experiments have inadvertently awakened a new threat—a creature significantly larger and more aggressive than the first.
Dubbed the “Megatroll” (or Jotun), this ancient behemoth is on a rampage toward Trondheim, fueled by a vendetta against the legacy of Saint Olaf. Unlike the solitary, somewhat sympathetic creature of the first movie, this new antagonist is a force of pure destruction. Nora, along with the returning Andreas (Kim Falck) and Captain Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen), must race against time to stop it. Their plan? A risky gamble involving another troll named “Beautiful” and a deep dive into Norway’s suppressed history.
Why It Works: Myth and Mayhem
1. A Breakneck Pace
The film never slows down long enough for viewers to question its logic, which works heavily in its favor. From the opening sequence to the climactic battles, the pacing is relentless. It sheds the slow-burn mystery of the first film in favor of high-octane set pieces, including a destruction sequence at a nightclub that feels ripped straight out of a Godzilla flick.
2. Visible Scale
Reportedly the biggest production to come out of Scandinavia, the budget is visible in every frame. The visual effects for the Megatroll are stunning, blending the rugged, earthy texture of Norwegian folklore with the weight and impact of modern CGI. The sheer size of the creature makes for some breathtaking visuals against the snowy Nordic landscapes.
3. Deeper into Myth
While the first film touched on folklore, Troll 2 dives deeper. It explores the conflict between Christianity and the ancient troll race, adding a layer of historical fantasy that gives the monster’s rage a backstory. It’s not just an animal attacking a city; it’s an ancient war reignited.
The Verdict: Solid, Uncomplicated Fun
Naysayers may dismiss the performances as campy or the writing as convenient, but that has never stopped monster films from finding their audience. The human drama—while thin—serves its purpose: to get us from one monster brawl to the next.
Troll 2 offers a lively, fresh spin on the genre. It doesn’t try to be high art; it tries to be a blockbuster, and it succeeds. If you are looking for deep character studies, look elsewhere. But if you want to see a mountain-sized creature smash things while exploring cool Norse mythology, this is the movie for you.
