The Last King (original title: Birkebeinerne)

This is one of those historical adventures that flew under the radar for most folks outside Scandinavia. Set in early 13th-century Norway, The Last King follows two warriors, Torstein and Skjervald, as they risk everything to protect an infant heir during a brutal civil war. The story is based on real events, and it’s cool to see a slice of European history that isn’t just another royal scandal or Tudor drama.

The Norwegian winter landscape is a character in itself. The endless snowscapes and sweeping mountain shots are gorgeous, and you really feel the chill and exhaustion of these characters slogging through ice and danger. It reminds me a bit of The Revenant, but with more focus on loyalty and camaraderie than survival for survival’s sake. There are some epic chase sequences on skis that are honestly thrilling to watch.

Where it stumbles a little is, ironically, in the history. If you’re not already a bit familiar with Norway’s past, you might find some of the details confusing or glossed over—for example, the political factions and why this infant actually matters to everyone. The script assumes you’re coming in with some context, so you might end up reaching for Wikipedia just to figure out who’s who.

The performances are strong, particularly from Kristofer Hivju (who you might recognize from Game of Thrones). There’s a solid chemistry between the two leads, and though the characters might not feel deeply nuanced, they’re easy to root for. The film avoids cheap melodrama, instead leaning into grit and resilience, which fits its chilly tone.

You’ll enjoy this if you’re into underdog stories, love the idea of a historical action flick that’s not set in the usual English-speaking territory, or just want to see a genuinely different kind of medieval adventure. It’s especially worth it for anyone who thinks they’ve seen every “based on true events” movie but wants something a little more off the beaten path.