Ragnarok

To rate movies/series I’ve watched, I usually use a tier system from S-tier (top of the top) to FF-tier (didn’t even finish watching).
But for the Netflix series „Twilight of the Gods“, I needed a new tier class: Æ-Tier (Æsir / Asen) ….
„Twilight of the Gods“ is Netflix’s newest animated series, which premiered in 2024. Under the creative direction of director Zack Snyder, known for his epic storytelling and visually stunning productions, in collaboration with Jay Oliva, this series presents a powerful and dark reinterpretation of Norse mythology. It combines elements of action, fantasy and drama, while standing out for its mature, brutal style in adult animation. The series captivates fans with its epic storytelling and aesthetically sophisticated depiction of a fascinating yet unforgiving world.

Plot

The plot of the series focuses on the intrepid warrior Sigrid and the mortal King Leif. Their planned wedding is dramatically disrupted by the appearance of the angry god Thor, whose wrath turns the ceremony into chaos and destruction. Driven by grief and revenge, Sigrid and Leif set off on a dangerous journey together with a group of loyal warriors. Their goal: to find divine weapons powerful enough to take on the gods themselves. Over the course of the series, an epic story unfolds, inexorably heading towards the Ragnarök – the prophesied apocalypse of the gods. The series skillfully interweaves classical motifs from Norse mythology with modern narrative techniques and creates an exciting link between past and present.

Special features

„Twilight of the Gods“ is characterized by various remarkable elements that set it apart from other animated series:
Adult content: The series is designed for an adult audience and contains explicit depictions of violence, bloodshed and sexuality. This uncompromising approach gives the series a raw and unadorned atmosphere that reinforces the archaic and merciless setting of the Norse myths.

Not Woke: It should be emphasized that the series doesn’t try to be „woke“. Yes, Sigrid as the heroine is a strong woman, but her story and her motivations are authentic and comprehensible – and that is crucial. The same goes for the two bisexual characters (Thyra and Egill). Their sexuality is not presented in a forced way, but rather fits organically into the plot without dominating the character development or the story. This gives the series a natural diversity and in many ways makes it better than much of what is currently available on streaming platforms.

Visual style: The visual style of the series is particularly noteworthy. The 2D animation, produced by Xilam Animation, combines traditionally inspired Nordic art with modern, dynamic animation techniques. The hand-drawn elements create a visual depth that emphasizes the epic nature of the story and gives the series a unique look. You could take a screenshot at any time, in any scene, and have a brilliant wallpaper for your PC or phone every time. Yes, you could even have it framed and hang it up in your living room.

Music and sound effects: The unconventional choice of music, which mixes classical and modern elements in an interesting way, is particularly unusual. For example, the acoustic version of „U Can’t Touch This“ stands out as an unusual but striking use. These unexpected musical choices give the series a refreshing and experimental feel that lightens the sombre tone while still creating tension.

Reviews

The reviews of „Twilight of the Gods“ are predominantly positive, albeit with some mixed reactions:
Action and animation: Many critics praise the series for its powerful action sequences and dynamic animation. The epic battles and the visual impact clearly bear the signature of Zack Snyder. These intense battles, coupled with the dark atmosphere, make the series an audiovisual spectacle.
Narrative style: The narrative structure of the series draws heavily on the oral tradition of Norse myths, which many find original and refreshing. The series skillfully interweaves the stories of the old gods with a modern interpretation. However, some critics have complained that the dialog sometimes seems flat and lacks emotional depth.
Character development: While the mythological depth of the story and the adventure are praised, some critics note that the emotional connection to the characters is neglected due to the constant action and the complex, sometimes convoluted storylines. The human side of the characters in particular often falls short of the great battles and divine conflicts.

Summary.

„Twilight of the Gods“ is a gripping series that will not only delight fans of Norse mythology, but also fans of action-packed and visually impressive stories. Despite occasional weaknesses in character development and dialog, the series impresses with its epic staging, dynamic animation and innovative blend of mythology and modern storytelling. For viewers who appreciate Zack Snyder’s artistic style and are attracted to dark, adult animated series, „Twilight of the Gods“ offers an exciting and captivating experience. It carves out a special niche in adult animated series by combining brutal action with mythological depth and a unique visual style.