Twilight of the Gods Review: Visually Impressive But Feels Uneven

Twilight of the Gods Review | Leisurebyte

Director: Zack Snyder

Date Created: 2024-09-19 16:59

Editor's Rating:
3

Netflix’s highly anticipated anime series Twilight of the Gods is finally here, bringing us into a world of gods and mortals. Inspired by Norse mythology, the story centres on Sigrid, the daughter of giants. On her wedding day, Thor kills her entire family, leaving only Sigrid and her husband-to-be alive. Now, Sigrid is set on getting revenge and killing Thor. She is joined by a group of broken warriors who, like her, have nothing left to lose. Together, they begin a dangerous journey to take down the god who destroyed their lives.

Written by Peter Aperlo, Eric Carrasco and Zack Snyder the Netflix anime series consists of 8 episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes.

-No Spoilers-

Twilight of the Gods Review

In Netflix’s latest venture into mythological storytelling, we have a tale of revenge set against a backdrop of gods and mortals embroiled in a complex and often violent world. From the very beginning, the series plunges us into a narrative that is both dark and captivating. The visuals are stunning, as expected from Snyder, and the animation brings to life a mythological world that feels both ancient and raw.

The series sets the stage with Leif and Sigrid’s wedding night, which turns into a bloodbath when Thor, in his relentless pursuit of Loki, crashes the ceremony. This sets off a chain of events that propels Leif and Sigrid on a quest for vengeance. Sigrid, known as the “blood bride,” is a fascinating character. She embodies a fierce disregard for consequences that is on par with the gods themselves. Meanwhile, Leif struggles with his own past as a warrior, now trying to live a life of justice. The tension between them creates a compelling dynamic that drives much of the series. Sigrid’s fierceness and Leif’s internal conflict add depth to their characters, making their journey a tumultuous and engaging watch.

While the central narrative is rooted in Norse mythology, the series does not shy away from adding Snyder’s signature elements. There’s a lot of slow-motion action, intense battles, and moments of raw emotion. However, unlike some of Snyder’s previous works, Twilight of the Gods feels more at home in this mythological setting. The gods are portrayed not as benevolent beings, but as complex and often cruel entities, adding layers to the story.

One of the standout characters is Loki, voiced by Paterson Joseph. Initially portrayed as an antagonist manipulating events from the shadows, Loki’s character arc evolves as the series progresses. He is shown to be as much a victim of the gods as Sigrid is, adding a tragic dimension to his role. While he is the trickster, Loki’s struggle to maintain his chaotic façade while hiding his vulnerabilities makes him one of the most complex characters in the series.

However, not all characters are given the same level of development. While Sigrid, Leif, and Loki are well-fleshed out, many of the other warriors remain one-dimensional. Despite a late-season attempt to delve into their backstories, they largely serve to support the main plot rather than stand out in their own right. This can feel like a missed opportunity, as the world of Norse mythology is rich with characters and stories that could have been explored more deeply.

The series leans heavily into the idea that myths often do not live up to reality. It presents a world where the gods are not paragons of virtue but flawed and sometimes cruel beings. Thor, in particular, is depicted as a force of nature, his cruelty so pronounced that it borders on parody. This choice may polarize viewers, but it underscores the show’s central theme: the dissonance between the glorified tales of the gods and their harsh reality.

The tone of this series is dark and brutal, with frequent violence and sexual content. This isn’t a sanitized retelling of Norse mythology. It’s raw, graphic, and at times uncomfortable. The humour, often crude and juvenile, can feel out of place, clashing with the otherwise serious and grim narrative. Yet, it somehow fits the rough world Snyder has created—a world where gods and mortals alike are driven by base desires and violent impulses.

Twilight of the Gods Review: Final Thoughts

Twilight of the Gods is a visually stunning, dark retelling of Norse mythology that delivers on its promise of a gritty saga filled with revenge, violence, and complex characters. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling, it offers an engaging, if sometimes flawed, narrative. The characters of Sigrid, Leif, and Loki shine, even if the supporting cast is underdeveloped. The series is not for the faint of heart, as it embraces the more brutal aspects of mythology with unflinching zeal.

If you’re a fan of Snyder’s work then Twilight of the Gods offers a compelling and often visceral experience. It may not be entirely original, but it makes up for it with its intense drama, stunning visuals, and the chaotic energy of its characters.

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