At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, director Howard McCain released ‘Outlander’ (2008), an intriguing mix of science fiction and Norse mythology that is currently part of the Prime Video catalogue. The plot follows Kainan, played by Jim Caviezel, an otherworldly soldier who crashes a spaceship in 8th century Viking Norway. Soon, the Vikings who dwell in those lands discover that Kainan not only brings with him advanced technology, but also a monstrous alien creature known as the Moorwen, which threatens the survival of all. As Kainan joins forces with the Vikings to hunt the Moorwen, the film explores themes of redemption and camaraderie, wrapping itself in a visual spectacle full of adventure and large doses of action.
‘Outlander’ was absolutely forgotten on the international awards circuit and film festivals, frustrating its path by not obtaining a single nomination for any of them. The film garnered no nominations at the Oscars or Golden Globes, reflecting the nature of its limited release and mixed critical reception. However, from a technical point of view, the film offers several notable aspects. The art direction and production design are particularly notable for its meticulous recreation of the Viking Age, which fuses with futuristic science fiction elements. The special effects, although limited for a film with a modest budget, are effective and contribute to deepening the atmosphere of the film. The use of CGI to bring the Moorwen to life was convincing at the time, although it has aged a bit now, while the action scenes are skillfully choreographed.
The cast of ‘Outlander’ delivers solid performances that elevate the narrative. Jim Caviezelknown for his role as Jesus Christ in ‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004), by Mel Gibson, provides the cast with a well-known face as a promotional item. Sophia Myles plays Freya, the strong and brave daughter of the Viking leader, while Ron Perlman, always charismatic, plays Gunnar, a Viking leader whose presence commands respect. John Hurt, as Rothgar, the elderly Viking chief, brings his experience to the film. Jack Huston, grandson of the renowned director John Huston, completes the main cast with a remarkable performance thanks to which he was able to become known.
Fotogramas’ review of ‘Outlander’ emphasized the effectiveness of a plot based on “bloodthirsty and ferocious Vikings engaged in a bloody, all-out fight with a monstrous alien. Some first-class incentives for lovers of pseudo-historical barbarism and extraterrestrial splatter. Or to understand us: if you love the virile and naughty films of wild Nordics that the Italians made in the 60s or if you like ‘Warrior Number 13’, by John McTiernan, you are going to have a great time because ‘Outlander’ is that and another film by McTiernan, ‘Predator’, and the exterminating Martian films of the great Antonio Margheriti. An impossible space hunter, John Hurt turned into the new Max Von Sydow of the B series, a lot of movement, economy of means and popcorn gore fun”.
