“Fuck the gods” is a sentiment that is currently felt everywhere, from the more literal interpretation of Netflix’ Chaos to the various “Eat the Rich” narratives that tap into the simmering anger over the current growing inequality. Ragnarök, the mythological end of many gods in a fit of brutal battle and revenge, is exactly the kind of theme that can express how volatile, unfair and apocalyptic modern life can feel at the moment. Especially when, as in Twilight of the Gods‘ Rendering, there is a mortal who suffers severe insult from the gods.
You don’t have to have been a bride to understand that it would be disturbing if Thor showed up in the middle of the ceremony and killed the entire family. Twilight of the GodsSigrid (Sylvia Hoeks), however, doesn’t have to imagine this; after she travels home to marry her one true love, Leif (Stuart Martin), the Norse god of thunder massacres her loved ones right in front of her eyes. And now she has sworn revenge, come what may.
This revenge saga is the beating, bloody heart of Twilight of the Godscreated by Zack Snyder, Eric Carrasco, and Jay Oliva. It’s the kind of story that translates beautifully through animation; as Sigrid assembles a team to conquer Valhalla and kill the hammer-wielding god once and for all, she and her companion can encounter a sorceress in the forest or ride across a magical bridge to the land of giants without the show ever losing its stride. Plus, the character design alludes to the series’ various influences and colors our perception of the characters, which adds to the enjoyment. Sigrid looks like she’s riding straight out of Valhalla. The Secret of Kellsflatter and reminiscent of old world art, while some in her cast are more reminiscent of 90’s DreamWorks with all its hopeful humanity. It reflects that she’s a little out of step with the people around her – changed by all that she’s been through.
As in Rebel Moon or Zack Snyder’s Justice League or Man of Steel (or 300 or sucker Punch), those who agree or disagree with Snyder’s sensibilities as a storyteller will likely find their instincts vindicated here. This is a guy who paints with bold colors, big emotions, and bombastic sex and violence. Still, it can sometimes seem like the chosen medium hinders the impact of some colors. As the journey picks up speed and the fights get more intense, the cartoonish nature of the animated violence never really stops holding the story back.
In this way, Twilight of the Gods often feels less like the mythical heights of Ragnarök and more like Prime Video’s The boys. How Twilight of the Gods, The boys is deeply concerned with what divine beings owe us, and how their indestructibility can numb them to cruelty of the highest order. Both series begin with a gruesome tragedy that gives way to brutal retribution. And both series ultimately move beyond sex scenes and gruesome violence to find a more thoughtful exploration of grief, anger, connection, and malice. It’s fun that Snyder’s take on contemporary superheroes has a bit more epic heft. Battles between gods and men have long been his area of expertise, and seeing that implemented literally here (with a few giants and other Norse mythology thrown in) only reinforces the themes he so often explores around power and control.
Twilight of the Gods‘ ultimate success seems best reflected in the fact that no one sets out to kill a god for the same reason. This turns a simple animated retelling of a myth into something more intricate, delicate, and brutal, as we see just how vicious a saga can be. While not all of its highlights lie in the animated world, the series is far more than just further fodder for the Netflix animation argument, but is full of imaginative and varied depictions of gods, empires, and, yes, sex scenes. This series could go far, as evidenced by the ruthlessness in the final episodes. It’s worth making time for – the gods be damned.
Twilight of the Gods is now streaming on Netflix.
