Kraken review – Norway's fjord-based monster movie tackles enviro
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Norway’s Fjord Fury: A Monster Movie with a Green Agenda
The latest monster movie from Norway, Kraken, has been making waves for its unique blend of action and environmentalism. Beneath its surface-level thrills lies a nuanced commentary on the consequences of tampering with nature.
Kraken tells the story of marine researcher Johanne, who is called in to investigate mass salmon strandings in Norway’s Sognefjord, the country’s largest fjord. As she investigates further, it becomes clear that human activity is at fault: a local fish farm has been pushing the boundaries of its sonic delousing technology, disrupting the natural balance and drawing the ire of the titular sea creature.
The film’s eco-chastising tone may come as no surprise to fans of Scandinavian cinema. Norway has long been at the forefront of environmentalism, with its government setting ambitious targets for carbon neutrality and investing heavily in sustainable infrastructure. Kraken stands out, however, by tying this green agenda directly to the monster movie genre.
The Fjord as Character
The Sognefjord itself becomes a character in the film – a majestic, untouched landscape that serves as both backdrop and victim of human neglect. The fjords of western Norway are among the country’s most prized natural attractions, drawing tourists from around the world with their stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters.
Kraken could almost serve as an extended tourist promo, but it’s ultimately a warning about the consequences of human hubris. The film makes clear that tampering with nature has real-world implications – something we’d do well to heed.
A Warning from the Deep
The sonic delousing technology used by the fish farm may be designed to keep the pens clean, but it disrupts the delicate balance of the fjord’s ecosystem. This is a warning that resonates far beyond Norway’s shores and speaks to our own relationship with nature.
Kraken joins a growing trend in Norwegian cinema: using genre as a tool for social commentary. From dystopian sci-fi films like Thale to werewolf-infested landscapes of Ulvespriet, Norway’s filmmakers are exploring complex issues like climate change, colonialism, and social inequality through the lens of monster movies.
A Message with Far-Reaching Implications
Kraken may seem like just another monster movie on paper, but its environmental themes have significant implications. As we grapple with the consequences of human activity on our planet, it’s clear that we need more stories like this – ones that use genre to challenge us to think about the world in new ways.
Norway is uniquely positioned to lead by example as the global climate crisis deepens. The country’s carbon neutrality targets and investment in sustainable infrastructure set a high standard for others to follow. With films like Kraken pushing the boundaries of environmentalism on screen, we can only hope that this trend continues – before it’s too late.
In the end, Kraken is more than just a monster movie – it’s a warning from the deep about the consequences of our actions. As we watch the titular beast wreak havoc on the Sognefjord, we’re reminded that the greatest monsters are often the ones we create ourselves.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While Kraken's environmentalist agenda is undoubtedly timely and welcome, one can't help but wonder about the implications of greenwashing through film. By presenting sustainable technologies as villainous disruptors of nature, the movie may inadvertently perpetuate a false dichotomy between progress and preservation. In reality, many fish farms are now incorporating environmentally friendly practices into their operations, making sonic delousing technology not inherently evil but rather a nuanced tool that requires careful management to avoid harm. A more balanced approach might have strengthened Kraken's eco-message.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
While Kraken effectively uses the monster movie genre to highlight Norway's environmental concerns, I think it's worth noting that this film also raises questions about the country's reliance on salmon farming as a sustainable industry. The sonic delousing technology used in the film is indeed a real-world issue, but it's not the only factor contributing to the decline of Norway's wild salmon populations. A more nuanced approach would have explored the complex trade-offs between economic development and environmental protection, rather than simply villainizing a single industrial practice.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While Kraken effectively dramatizes the perils of environmental recklessness, its portrayal of human villainy might benefit from some nuance. By casting corporate interests as one-dimensional monsters, the film oversimplifies the complex relationships between industry, regulation, and sustainability. In reality, fish farming can be a necessary evil in Norway's aquaculture sector – but it's precisely this grey area that needs more attention.