Kraken is unashamedly ambitious. From its Spielberg-like stylings through Lovecraftian imagery, Pål Øie’s new film is part tourist marketing video and part 90-minute telling off about the risks of messing with nature. And it pulls it off…just about.
On Norway’s largest fjord, Sognefjord, some scientists are blasting sonic waves into the water to protect their salmon farm from lice. Predictably, there are consequences to these actions, the greatest of which is attracting the attention of a Cthulhu-sized squid monster, the titular Kraken.
There isn’t much here you haven’t seen before – including a strong Jaws template of less is more running throughout – yet Øie instils genuine heart and jeopardy into his film. Marine researcher Johanne (Sara Khorami) is summoned to investigate what’s going on in the fjord, encountering an old flame and revisiting former friendships, all of which are convincingly handled. Apart from one scenery-chewing corporate bad guy, there is sincerity in each of the characters, and when some are inevitably dispatched by the multi-limbed eco-avenger and its cohorts, you do feel the sense of loss.
Øie is also very patient and understands his task. The plot, loose as it is, is given dramatic depth and weight through its use of location. This is a stunning film, from the sweeping views of the fjord and surrounding mountains to the murky underwater shots that feel as claustrophobic as those above feel vast and awe-inspiring.
Ultimately, Kraken does what it sets out to do, delivering a warning on the risks of ecological tampering using a giant monster as the conduit. And it’s a lot better than Troll 2.
