Review By Jon Donnis
Pål Øie’s Kraken arrives with a premise that feels instantly promising. A remote Norwegian fjord, a scientific experiment gone wrong, and something ancient stirring beneath the surface. It is a strong foundation, and for a while the film leans into that sense of quiet unease rather well. The opening stretch, centred on marine biologist Johanne and her work at a fish farm in Vangsnes, builds intrigue through small details and strange occurrences. There is a clear effort to ground the story before unleashing chaos, and it works. The fjord itself becomes a character, vast and unknowable, and the cinematography makes full use of Norway’s natural beauty. Wide shots of still water and towering landscapes create a calm that you just know will not last.
The central idea, a sonic device designed to deal with lice infestations in farmed salmon accidentally awakening something monstrous, is genuinely compelling. It blends environmental themes with classic creature feature storytelling in a way that feels fresh. When the Kraken finally makes its presence felt, the film finds its rhythm. These moments carry weight and scale, hinting at something enormous lurking beneath the surface. The creature itself is basically a giant octopus type thing and this is where the film is at its most exciting. There is a real sense that something powerful has been disturbed, and those sequences give the film the jolt of energy it needs.
That said, the cracks start to show once the narrative pushes beyond its setup. The film never quite escapes the limitations of its budget, and it becomes noticeable. Some of the visual effects feel inconsistent, and at times oddly artificial, which pulls you out of the experience. It is especially frustrating because the concept deserves better visual support. There is also a lingering sense that the audience is always one step ahead of the characters. The film reveals too much too early, leaving little room for tension to build naturally. Instead of discovery, it often feels like waiting for the characters to catch up.
Character work is another weak point. Johanne is a solid lead in concept, but the script does not give her or the supporting cast enough depth to fully engage. Relationships feel underdeveloped, and key decisions lack emotional weight. A few plot holes do not help either, especially when the story begins to rely on characters acting in ways that serve the plot rather than feeling believable. It is a shame, because the cast itself is capable, but they are not given enough to work with.
At just under 90 minutes, the film moves at a decent pace and never truly drags. It remains watchable throughout, even when it stumbles. There is always that core idea keeping things afloat, along with the occasional striking visual of the fjord and the glimpses of the creature beneath it.
Kraken should have been something stronger. The story is there, the setting is perfect, and the initial setup draws you in. The execution, though, never quite matches that promise. It is an enjoyable enough watch, but one that leaves you thinking about what it could have been with a bit more polish and care.
I score Kraken 6 out of 10
Out On Digital - https://apple.co/4ulJOKV
