Troll (2022 film)

Plot

As a child, Nora Tidemann hears her father Tobias tell stories about trolls and the origins of local mountains. Years later, a drilling operation in Dovre Municipality causes an eruption and kills workers and protestors. The Norwegian government assembles scientists, including paleontologist Nora.

Most believe methane caused the blast, but Nora and advisor Andreas Isaksan note large footprints nearby. Nora suspects a troll and seeks Tobias, who lost his professorship for believing in mythical creatures. They find a topographical anomaly and accidentally awaken a 164-foot troll camouflaged on a mountainside. The military attacks with conventional weapons, only angering the troll.

Tobias tries communicating but is killed by gunfire. Nora suggests using church bells as a sonic weapon, but it enrages the creature, causing heavy collateral damage. International news broadcasts the rampage globally.

Production

Roar Uthaug met with Motion Blur executives near the completion of his film Tomb Raider to discuss a new project. He chose a Norwegian folklore idea he had considered for over twenty years. TheWrap announced Troll on 25 August 2020 with a synopsis and statement from Uthaug.

Concept art of the troll attacking Oslo was revealed by Bloody Disgusting in March 2021. Principal photography ran from August to November 2021, with location shooting in Askim, Dovre, Indre Østfold, Lom, Øyer, Rena, and Ulsteinvik. Johannes Ringen composed the music.

Reception

Critics noted the story's similarity to Godzilla and King Kong films. Marco Vito Oddo of Collider gave a C+ rating, stating the film delivers what it promises despite lacking originality. Michael Gingold of Rue Morgue wrote that Uthaug does not treat the film as a spoof but takes spectacle seriously, praising the visual effects of the troll and its devastation.

James Marsh of the South China Morning Post found the effects first-rate but criticized a lack of Scandinavian specificity, saying Uthaug emulates blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Godzilla. Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting felt the film compensates for lack of originality with fresh mythology, calling it fun and spectacular. Peter Martin of Screen Anarchy commented the movie feels familiar yet refreshingly different with satisfying new wrinkles.

Did You Know?

• A sequel, Troll 2, was released on Netflix on December 1, 2025.
• Filming on Troll 2 began in 2024 with Roar Uthaug and Espen Aukan returning as director and writer.
• David Kosse of Netflix described the film as 'a giant four-quadrant event movie that happens to take place in Norway... with a troll.'