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Characters & Themes

Troll (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 101 min · Norwegian
Echo score 59
Directed by
Roar Uthaug
Starring
Anneke von der Lippe, Gard B. Eidsvold, Fridtjov Såheim, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Bjarne Hjelde, Dennis Storhøi

Deep within the Dovre mountains, a colossal troll awakens after a millennium of sleep, unleashing chaos as it moves toward Oslo. A determined group embarks on a perilous journey to stop the creature, confronting a blend of ancient myth and modern reality as they face the escalating destruction.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Characters explained (5)
  2. 2 Where & when it takes place
  3. 3 Themes & meaning (3)
  4. 4 Character & meaning questions
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Troll
  7. 7 Every angle

5 main characters · contains spoilers

Troll Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Troll (2022), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Nora Tidemann

    played by Ine Marie Wilmann

    Nora is a driven paleontologist whose passion for uncovering the truth about trolls reflects her deep connection to her father's stories. She evolves from a curious child into a determined adult willing to confront the unknown. Her empathy and quick thinking play significant roles in the narrative as she balances science with her belief in ancient lore.

    • 🔍 Paleontologist
    • 🌱 Curious
    • 🦸‍♀️ Brave
  • Tobias Tidemann

    played by Gard B. Eidsvold

    As Nora's father, Tobias is a complex character marked by his early enthusiasm for troll mythology and later disillusionment. His scientific curiosity is shaped by personal tragedy, leading him to seclusion. His insights drive much of the plot, as he grapples with the societal abandonment of ancient beliefs while desperately trying to prove the existence of trolls.

    • 📚 Storyteller
    • 🤔 Intelligent
    • 🏞️ Mythical
  • Berit Moberg

    played by Anneke von der Lippe

    The Prime Minister, Berit, represents governmental authority and the burdens of leadership during crisis. Tasked with making crucial decisions for the safety of Norway, she is pragmatic yet conflicted. Her character embodies the friction between political responsibilities and the mythical chaos unfolding in her country.

    • 👩‍⚖️ Leader
    • 🏛️ Authority
    • ⚖️ Responsible
  • Andreas Isaksen

    played by Kim Falck

    As the Prime Minister's advisor, Andreas is resourceful and intelligent, navigating the complexities of the crisis with pragmatism. His loyalty to Nora and willingness to challenge authority highlight his moral compass in a time of chaos. He plays a critical role in organizing efforts to confront the troll while facing internal conflicts about the governmental actions.

    • 🧭 Advisor
    • 💡 Resourceful
    • 🤝 Loyal
  • Kris Holm

    played by Mads Sjøgård Pettersen

    Captain Kris Holm is a military soldier who embodies courage and resilience in the face of the extraordinary challenge of dealing with the troll. His role is pivotal in protecting civilians and assisting in the efforts to control the situation. His pragmatic approach to warfare contrasts with the mythical elements of the story.

    • ⚔️ Soldier
    • 🛡️ Protector
    • 💪 Resilient

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

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Setting

Where and When Does Troll Take Place?

The setting of Troll (2022): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Contemporary

The events unfold in modern times, highlighting current governmental structures and scientific advancements. The contemporary setting contrasts the ancient tales of trolls, serving to bridge folklore with modern-day dilemmas regarding environmental and mythical awakenings.

Location

Dovre, Oslo, Norway

The movie takes place in the majestic Dovre Mountains, known for their dramatic peaks and rich folklore, especially surrounding trolls. Additionally, the capital city of Oslo serves as a critical backdrop, where important governmental decisions are made amid the unfolding crisis. Both locations are deeply intertwined with Norway's cultural history and mythology.

  • 🗻 Mountains
  • 🌆 City

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

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3 major themes

Troll Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Troll (2022) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Mythology

    The film explores themes of mythology and the intersection of ancient beliefs with contemporary society. It delves into the legacy of trolls in Norwegian culture, illustrating how these myths can impact present realities. Characters grapple with the balance of scientific inquiry and reverence for traditional folklore.

  • Conflict

    Conflict arises not only between humans and the troll but also within individuals as they reconcile personal beliefs with scientific evidence. The chaos of government decisions and public reactions highlights the interplay between crisis management and historical truths. Characters face moral dilemmas regarding the preservation of life versus the necessity of defense.

  • Tragedy

    Tragic moments underscore the narrative, particularly with the loss of Tobias and the collateral damage caused by the troll's awakening. The personal losses experienced by characters amplify their motivations and illustrate how their pasts are irrevocably tied to the unfolding events. The emotional weight of these tragedies lends depth to the story.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

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Character & theme questions

Troll Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Troll (2022): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The movie takes place primarily in Norway, with the Dovre Mountains serving as the initial setting where the troll awakens after a millennium of sleep. The capital city of Oslo also plays a critical role as the government center where decisions are made to address the growing threat.

  • dovre mountains
  • oslo
  • norway
  • setting
  • location
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story unfolds in contemporary modern times, highlighting current governmental structures and scientific capabilities. This contemporary setting creates a stark contrast between the ancient troll mythology and present-day reality.

  • modern times
  • contemporary
  • norway
  • time period
Q3

Who is Nora Tidemann?

Nora Tidemann is a paleontologist whose deep connection to troll mythology stems from her father's stories. She evolves from a curious child into a determined adult willing to confront the unknown, balancing scientific inquiry with her belief in ancient lore.

  • nora tidemann
  • paleontologist
  • character
  • father
Q4

Who is Tobias Tidemann?

Tobias Tidemann is Nora's father, a complex figure marked by his early enthusiasm for troll mythology and later disillusionment. His scientific curiosity is shaped by personal tragedy, driving him to seclusion while desperately trying to prove the existence of trolls.

  • tobias tidemann
  • father
  • nora
  • scientist
Q5

Who is the Prime Minister in the movie?

Berit Moberg serves as Norway's Prime Minister, representing governmental authority during the crisis. She is tasked with making crucial decisions for the nation's safety, embodying the friction between political responsibilities and the mythical chaos unfolding in her country.

  • berit moberg
  • prime minister
  • government
  • oslo
Q6

Who is Captain Kris Holm?

Captain Kris Holm is a military leader who embodies courage and resilience in confronting the extraordinary threat. His pragmatic approach to warfare contrasts with the mythical elements of the story, and he plays a pivotal role in protecting civilians during the crisis.

  • kris holm
  • captain
  • military
  • soldier
Q7

What role does mythology play in the movie?

The film explores how ancient troll mythology intersects with contemporary society. It examines the legacy of trolls in Norwegian culture and how these myths can impact present realities, with characters grappling with the balance between scientific inquiry and reverence for traditional folklore.

  • mythology
  • trolls
  • norwegian folklore
  • ancient beliefs
Q8

What is the main conflict in the story?

Conflict arises both externally between humans and the troll, and internally within individuals as they reconcile personal beliefs with scientific evidence. The chaos of government decisions highlights the interplay between crisis management and historical truths, with characters facing moral dilemmas about preserving life versus necessary defense.

  • conflict
  • government crisis
  • moral dilemma
  • beliefs
Q9

Does the movie include tragic elements?

Tragic moments underscore the narrative, particularly involving loss and collateral damage caused by the troll's awakening. These personal losses amplify character motivations and illustrate how their pasts are irrevocably tied to the unfolding events, lending emotional weight to the story.

  • tragedy
  • loss
  • emotional
  • grief
Q10

How does the movie blend folklore with modern society?

The movie bridges ancient tales of trolls with modern-day dilemmas regarding environmental and mythical awakenings. It highlights the tension between scientific advancement and traditional beliefs, using Norway's cultural history and mythology as a foundation for contemporary storytelling.

  • folklore
  • modern society
  • norwegian culture
  • environment

Movie threads

More Movies Like Troll, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Troll tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like Troll: Modern Crisis Against Mythical Threats

Stories where ancient creatures or forces wreak havoc on the contemporary world. If you enjoyed the high-stakes clash of ancient myth and modern reality in Troll, explore these movies where legendary creatures or primordial forces threaten contemporary society. These stories deliver epic destruction and tense survival scenarios, blending scientific inquiry with folklore.

  • epic
  • destructive
  • urgent
  • mysterious
  • anxious
  • large-scale
  • Tone: tense, destructive, epic
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically unfold as a catastrophic discovery, followed by a race against time as the threat escalates. Characters often include scientists and officials grappling with an inexplicable phenomenon, leading to a final confrontation that questions humanity's place in the natural world.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core tension between the rational present and the mythical past. They feature high-intensity action, a tense and urgent tone, and explore themes of environmental consequence and humanity's hubris, creating a coherent vibe of epic, destructive wonder.

Bittersweet Monster Stories like Troll

Creature features where victory comes with a profound sense of loss and moral ambiguity. For viewers who appreciated the emotional complexity and bittersweet ending of Troll, this list features similar monster movies. These films go beyond simple destruction, exploring the tragedy of the creature's existence and the heavy cost of victory in stories like Troll.

  • bittersweet
  • tragic
  • tense
  • thought-provoking
  • melancholic
  • empathetic
  • Tone: tense, bittersweet, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves initially perceiving the creature as a pure threat, followed by revelations about its nature or origins that evoke sympathy. The final act forces a necessary but lamentable choice, resulting in a victory that is somber and morally weighted rather than triumphant.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared emotional arc—shifting from fear to a nuanced understanding of the monster. They consistently deliver a bittersweet ending feel and medium to heavy emotional weight, prioritizing poignant themes over pure spectacle.

If you liked this

Movies Like Troll

Similar movies to Troll: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Troll (2022) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Troll in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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