Pathfinder by Nils Gaup (Review)

Based on ancient Norwegian myths, Pathfinder could be considered a mythological action film. A young man sees his family murdered by a roving band of outlaws called the “Tjuder.” He escapes, and happens upon a band of nomads. When they try to escape, he stays behind to take vengeance. When he’s captured by the Tjuder, he agrees to lead them to the others. However, he sets out on a campaign to misdirect them.

The film is really quite short and simple, but it’s still effective. All of the “action” film cliches are there: a hero seeking revenge, an unstoppable enemy, action scenes, and nailbiting tension. But it feels too dreamlike to be a mere action film. Much of that is due to the location of the film, far above the Arctic Circle. The wintry landscapes are beautiful, but also harsh and unreal.

Adding to the film’s otherworldliness is a strange, mystical thread. An interesting film that works on many levels, and also rises above all of the possible cliches that it could’ve easily fallen into.