Director Roar Uthaug returns with a sequel that aims to up the ante in Troll 2. This time, we meet a new troll, Jotun, whose awakening sets off chaos. Andreas (Kim Falck) must convince Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann) to come back from her quiet life to face this threat. The troll is trapped in a power station in Rjukan, but as expected, it won’t stay dormant for long.
Once Jotun wakes up, destruction follows. The military gets involved, with Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen), now promoted to major, at the helm of the mission. The film includes a thrilling scene where Jotun attacks a ski resort, mixing dark humor and horror as it feasts on unsuspecting victims.
The effects are impressive, and there are some action-packed moments, like when helicopters use UV lights in a night attack. Unfortunately, Troll 2 doesn’t really dig deeper into Norse mythology. The second half borrows elements from adventure films, but it feels formulaic. The climactic battle between the trolls is surprisingly brief and lacks the epic feel promised.
The cast is a mixed bag. While returning actors Wilmann and Falck shine, newcomer Sara Khorami’s role feels underwhelming. The humor is a highlight, with sly pop culture references to films like Alien and Die Hard 2.
At about 100 minutes, the pacing can be uneven. After waiting three years for this sequel, many might find it underwhelming. The first Troll wasn’t a classic, but it brought something fresh to the creature feature genre.
Interestingly, the first film made Netflix history as its most-watched non-English movie until it was overtaken by KPop Demon Hunters. Troll 2 also includes a mid-credit scene hinting at another sequel.
In today’s landscape, where films compete for viewer attention, sequels often rely on nostalgia and familiar tropes. According to a recent survey, 65% of moviegoers prefer original stories over sequels, emphasizing the challenge filmmakers face. Despite its flaws, Troll 2 continues to attract an audience seeking thrills and laughs, proving there’s still life in this Norse saga.
You can watch Troll 2 now streaming on Netflix.
