Mortal

Mortal

Year: 2020

Runtime: 104 min

Language: Norwegian

Director: André Øvredal

Echo Score: 65
ActionAdventureDramaFantasy

A quiet Norwegian town is thrown into turmoil with the unexpected arrival of American wanderer Eric. Strange deaths and unsettling events plague the community, fueling rumors of supernatural abilities connected to him. Psychologist Christine investigates the escalating crisis, attempting to uncover the reality behind Eric's presence and the destructive forces seemingly following him. As fear grips the town, she must confront the growing darkness to understand the truth.

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Timeline & Setting – Mortal (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mortal (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in present-day Norway, the film features modern policing, helicopters, and international involvement. The contemporary milieu grounds the supernatural elements in a familiar world, while the mythic undercurrents give the story a timeless edge. The timeline emphasizes immediacy and danger in a recognizable setting.

Location

Vestland forests, Odda, Hardanger Bridge, fjords

The story unfolds in the forested Vestland region of Norway, centered on the small town of Odda and nearby fjords. Notable locations include the imposing Hardanger Bridge and a farm site linked to a past fire, with the fjord serving as a dramatic backdrop for pivotal events. The rugged landscape contributes to a remote, atmospheric setting where myth and modernity intersect.

🗺️ Vestland forests 🏔️ Odda town 🚢 Fjord setting 🗼 Hardanger Bridge

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:06

Main Characters – Mortal (2020)

Meet the key characters of Mortal (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff)

A taciturn young man whose severe anxiety triggers his supernatural abilities. He grapples with uncontrollable powers that manifest as storms and dangerous outbursts, placing him at odds with authority and his own desires for normalcy. His journey weaves fear, longing, and a mounting sense of a mystical heritage that could unlock his fate.

⚡️ Supernatural 🧠 Mental Health 🧭 Outsider 🌌 Vision

Christine (Iben Akerlie)

A thoughtful psychologist who interrogates Eric and becomes his reluctant ally. Her cautious approach and empathy help him navigate danger and uncertainty. She accompanies him on the escape and plays a key role in confronting the myths surrounding his powers.

🧠 Psychology 💫 Empathy 🧭 Ally 🗺️ Guide

Henrik (Per Frisch)

A level-headed police officer who mentors and ultimately allies with Eric and Christine. He represents the steady voice of the community, balancing duty with the possibility of mercy. His backing makes the pursuit more complex and humane.

👮 Police 🛡️ Authority 🤝 Ally 🧭 Mediator

Bjørn (Per Egil Aske)

The vengeful father of the teenager killed in the field, consumed by anger and the desire for retribution. He embodies the human cost of the accident that sets the plot in motion and heightens the sense of danger around Eric.

🗡️ Revenge ⚖️ Grudge 😡 Angry 👨‍👦 Family

Cora Hathaway (Priyanka Bose)

The US embassy lead and a formidable presence in the pursuit of Eric. She embodies international intervention and the tension between containment and ethical consideration. Her role catalyzes key confrontations and the high-stakes ambush at the site of the Norse ruins.

🌐 International 🚨 Authority 🧭 Strategist ⚔️ Confrontation

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:06

Major Themes – Mortal (2020)

Explore the central themes of Mortal (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚡️ Power

Eric's anxiety triggers extraordinary, uncontrollable powers that escalate from eruption to destruction. The film probes how power can be a burden as much as a gift, testing control and responsibility. The powers are tied to a perceived Norse heritage, complicating how others fear or revere him. The central tension arises from balancing the impulse to help with the urge to unleash the danger.

🪞 Identity

Eric is treated as an outsider, fueling a struggle for self-understanding amid public fear. Christine's presence offers a path toward trust and self-acceptance, while the question of his lineage invites a mythic sense of identity. The story asks whether power defines a person or if humanity does. Choices reveal character when faced with extraordinary circumstances.

🕊️ Redemption

Eric uses his powers to save a threatened boy during a power outage, suggesting a potential for good beyond the violence. His relationship with Christine and Henrik hints at forgiveness and alliance rather than isolation. The path to redemption is fraught with public scrutiny and danger. The final confrontation tests mercy against tragedy.

🚨 Authority

The US embassy team and Norwegian authorities pursue Eric, highlighting the tension between containment and understanding. Media speculation and governmental pressure frame the conflict, complicating ethical choices. The confrontation on the Hardanger Bridge epitomizes the friction between power and governance. The story examines how institutions respond when faced with a living, unpredictable force.

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:06

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Mortal Summary

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Mortal Summary

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Mortal Timeline

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More About Mortal

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