WKNDwatchlist: Masters of the Universe, The Northman and Apocalypto
This week we review three visceral tales of survival and myth, from a colourful, heroic power fantasy and a dark, blood-soaked Viking revenge saga to the pulsating, visceral jungle chase in Savage Destiny.
Masters of the Universe
Masters of the Universe skips Nolan-style grit to deliver a vibrant, unpretentious and delightfully self-aware trip back to Eternia from Travis Knight. Driven by a charismatic turn from Nicholas Galitzine, solid support from Idris Elba and Jared Leto, and polished comic-book visuals, it leans fully into colourful 80s nostalgia. It won’t change your life, but as a fun, lightweight power fantasy, this reboot strictly delivers the power.
The Northman
The Northman expands Robert Eggers’ visual canvas, a dark, brutal Viking revenge saga that channels Gladiator through the uncanny lens of The Witch. Alexander Skarsgård delivers a fiercely physical lead performance, backed by an impressive cast including Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicole Kidman. While it lacks deep emotional warmth, its hypnotic folklore, stunning cinematography and relentless intensity make for a spellbinding, visceral epic.
Apocalypto
Apocalypto is a relentless, visceral Amazon thriller from Mel Gibson that plunges you headfirst into the dying embers of the Maya civilization. Blending raw, adrenaline-fueled action with breathtaking docu-real cinematography and rich historical detail, it’s a brutal yet thrilling story of survival. Pulse-pounding, primal and unapologetically intense, this captivating chase through the wilderness delivers a deeply immersive, unforgettable cinematic spectacle.
What’s top of your watch list this weekend? For more reviews, head over to splingmovies.com. And remember: Don’t WING it, SPL!NG it!
