The Troll Hunter

The Troll Hunter is an extraordinary film masterfully crafted by Norwegian film director and writer, André Øvredal. Released in 2010, it is a pseudo-documentary in the found footage sub-genre much like "The Blair Witch Project". The major difference here is that instead of dealing with ghostly apparitions or extraterrestrial life, the Troll Hunter brings to life the mystic world of trolls straight from the pages of Norwegian fairy tales.

The film revolves around a group of university students, Thomas, Johanna, and Kalle, who set out on a mission to uncover the truth behind a series of unexplained bear killings. A pair of unfortunate bear hunters are under surveillance, but the focus soon shifts to the strange, craggy, and gruff Hans - a man who seems to be much more than the poacher he's suspected of being. Following him into the wilderness they soon come face to face with the unimpressive truth of what Hans does. He’s a troll-hunter, a veritable night watchman of Norway, employed by a secret government agency. And the trolls, they're real.

The movie blends the traditional folklore of Scandinavian troll mythology with modern elements, resulting in a serious yet humorous take on the fairy tales most Norwegians grew up with. Mix in the conspiracy theory aspect, and you get a compelling, entertaining story. Instead of presenting trolls candy-coated and endearing, Øvredal, in a masterstroke, portrays them as dangerous, foul-smelling, and brainless yet often pitiful beings of gigantic size staking their claim in the wilderness of Norway.

The Troll Hunter combines elements of horror, fantasy, and dark comedy to create a narrative that's quirky, engaging, and filled with suspense. The film’s horror elements operate on a subtle level, using creative lighting, unique cinematography techniques, and an immersive soundscape, rather than outright gore. The scenery is a breath-taking canvas that adds depth to the film, all shot on location in the stunning wild areas of Western Norway.

The film’s narrative style draws viewers in as if they are part of the investigative team, highlighting the students' naivety, their fear, and their fascination. The found-footage style of the movie helps the audience to connect with the characters on a more personal level. It also brings a touch of realism to the fantastical events that transpire, making for a completely immersive cinematic experience. The documentary ‘feel’ and use of handheld cameras blend seamlessly with exceptional special effects, giving the film an air of authenticity, and adding depth to the characters and the story.

The titular character, Hans the Troll Hunter, wonderfully portrayed by Norwegian actor Otto Jespersen, offers multi-layered depth and complexity. Hans is both brutal and tender, weary yet tireless, demonstrating a fascinating contrast in a man who’s spent his life in a solitary, largely thankless position. His character creates both empathy and fascination, becoming the heart and soul of the film.

The Troll Hunter raises questions about the unseen world hiding in plain sight, the things we take for granted, and even a satirical undercurrent where it seems to criticize bureaucracy of operations in any government. There is also a subtly threaded environmentalist message woven into the narrative which will resonate with many viewers.

Any fan of found-footage, monster-hunting, or folklore-based films will find The Troll Hunter to be a treasure. This engaging Norwegian take on the traditional 'Boogeyman' story not only celebrates the country's folklore but also presents a stunning and intrinsically human narrative that truly engages until the end. The cinematography, special effects, storyline, and the fittingly climactic ending make this film a standout in its genre. Ultimately, The Troll Hunter is just as much an homage to Norwegian culture and folklore as it is a suspenseful, thrilling, and highly entertaining monster movie.