Movie Review: ‘Mortal’ (2020) Is An Inspiring And Spellbinding Experience

I’m a huge fan of André Øvredal. I love everything he’s done so far. He’s a great filmmaker and a genuine human being. That being said, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about his new film, Mortal, but I found that I was pleasantly surprised. The film was directed by Øvredal (Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark) with a screenplay by himself, Norman Lesperance, and Geoff Bussetil. The original story was by the director as well. The cast stars Nat Wolff, Iben Akerlie, Per Frisch, Per Egil Aske, and Priyanka Bose.

Synopsis for Mortal

In this spellbinding thriller, a sleepy Norwegian town erupts after an American backpacker, Eric, is arrested. Witnesses claim a teen died after touching the stranger, and that he inexplicably started a fire that engulfed a farm. He warns a psychologist, Christine, that he has supernatural powers, and that anyone who gets too close to him dies. Is Eric a liar, a freak of nature, an angry god? Determined to find the truth, Christine draws nearer, and what she finds is beyond her wildest imaginings…

Mortal is a unique and brilliantly crafted story with great performances, twists and turns lurking around every corner, and an ending you won’t see coming. I will say that the beginning and middle are a bit of a slow burn, but once it gets going, the suspense never stops. The story took its time developing the characters and the special relationship between Eric and Christine, which was important as we try to understand who and what he is, and why Christine was important to him. I hate when films don’t take time letting us get to know the characters; otherwise, there’s no emotional attachment, and we’re left not caring about what happens to them.

Nat Wolff is truly amazing in this film. He delivers an emotionally powerful and award-winning performance that will knock you off your feet. He reminds me a lot of James McAvoy. Iben Akerlie is equally brilliant. The film wouldn’t be the same without her. The onscreen chemistry between Wolff and Akerlie is flawlessly natural and enchanting. You couldn’t help but root for them.

Mortal delivers fantastic special effects and makeup that really suits the story and the mystical atmosphere of the film. The story develops into something far more beautiful and creative than expected. Although I wish I could elaborate, I’d rather viewers go into Mortal with an open mind without any spoilers. I will say it’s an inspiring and spellbinding experience.

Final Thoughts

Mortal will be out in select theaters, On Demand, and Digital on November 6, 2020. It will be available on Blu-Ray November 10, 2020. I highly recommend checking this one out!