Troll 2 Movie Review: This monster film goes bigger, louder and deeper into myth

Troll 2, directed by Roar Uthaug, began streaming on Netflix from 1 December and stars Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, Mads Sjogard Pettersen, Sara Khorami and Anne Krigsvoll.

Despite its wildly exaggerated premise that demands complete suspension of disbelief, ‘Troll’ turned out to be a surprise blockbuster for Netflix. A sequel was always inevitable. The idea of an ancient monster made of earth and stone tearing through Norway became Europe’s own answer to Hollywood’s giant creature spectacles. ‘Troll 2’ expands that vision and arrives louder, faster, and on a much bigger scale.

A sequel that goes bigger and bolder

The film never slows down long enough for viewers to question its logic, which works in its favour. It moves at a breakneck pace and focuses entirely on entertainment. Now centred around a terrifying “Megatroll,” the sequel is reportedly the biggest production to come out of Scandinavia, and its scale is visible in every frame. Naysayers may dismiss the performances, writing, and effects as overblown, but that has never stopped monster films from finding their audience. ‘Troll 2’ offers a lively, fresh spin on the genre and delivers solid, uncomplicated fun.

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A troll unleashed once again

This time, the story begins with Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann) being alerted to the existence of another troll that is secretly being held in chains at an abandoned power plant deep in Norway’s frozen landscape. Isaksen (Kim Falck) brings her to the site to study the creature and guide the research team. What starts as a controlled operation turns into a nightmare when Nora accidentally awakens the troll. Chaos follows soon after as the creature breaks free and begins its destructive march. Once again, Nora, Isaksen, and Kris (Mads Sjogard Pettersen)—now promoted to the rank of major—come together to face the crisis. Nora realises that brute military force will not be enough and that only Norway’s ancient myths and folklore may hold the key to stopping the beast. They are joined by government official Marion Auryn Rhadani (Sara Khorami) and the sharp, talkative historian Esther Johanne Tiller (Anne Krigsvoll). In an unexpected twist, the film introduces two trolls on opposing sides, with one—described by Nora as “beautiful.”

Myth, mystery and monster logic

‘Troll 2’ is fully aware of what kind of film it wants to be and never pretends to be anything more. It simply continues the story of the first film without drifting into unnecessary side plots. At the same time, it adds richer detail about the origins of the trolls and their deep roots in Norwegian mythology. As Nora and Esther piece together these ancient secrets, the story maintains a surprising sense of internal logic within its fantasy world. The presence of two rival trolls adds an engaging new layer to the conflict. While the acting remains mostly serviceable, the visual spectacle keeps the film engaging. Watching such massive creatures collide would have been an even bigger thrill on the big screen, but even on a smaller display, the film delivers an entertaining ride.

Average performance but they serve their purpose

On the performance front, ‘Troll 2’ leans more on conviction than nuance, and that works for the kind of film it is. Ine Marie Wilmann once again carries the film with quiet assurance as Nora, grounding the chaos with a steady, believable presence. Kim Falck as Isaksen continues to bring the right blend of urgency and bureaucratic frustration, while Mads Sjogard Pettersen’s Kris, now operating in a more authoritative role, adds emotional weight to the action-heavy narrative. Among the new additions, Sara Khorami’s Marion Auryn Rhadani brings a controlled, no-nonsense energy, and Esther Johanne Tiller’s sharp, talkative historian injects much-needed life into the myth-heavy stretches of the film. None of the performances aim for subtlety, but they don’t need to—everyone understands the assignment.

Spectacle with a clear purpose

In the end, ‘Troll 2’ succeeds because it never tries to outsmart its own identity. It embraces excess, scale, and myth with confidence, choosing momentum over logic and spectacle over restraint. The film may not convert sceptics of the genre, and it does little to elevate monster cinema in a critical sense, but it fulfils its purpose with clarity and conviction. As a sequel, it expands the world, raises the stakes, and delivers exactly what its audience expects—bigger creatures, louder destruction, and a faster ride. It may not be a film that lingers long after the credits roll, but for the duration of its runtime, it proves to be an energetic, satisfying escape into large-scale fantasy chaos.

Rating: 3.5/5