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Mortal

Mortal

Courage is immortal.

2020104 minRMidcredits score: 46th percentile of all films
Director
André Øvredal
Starring
Nat Wolff, Iben Akerlie, Per Frisch, Priyanka Bose

A young boy must discover the origins of his extraordinary powers before he is captured by authorities hell-bent on condemning him for an accidental murder.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Mortal?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Mortal streaming on MovieSphere+ via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Mortal?

Mortal earns 7 badges, led by Visual feast and Guilty pleasure.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Mortal worth watching?

Mortal's Midcredits score is the 46th percentile of all films, from 19K ratings across 6 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

46th percentile

Better received than 46% of films

62nd percentile among Action47th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)42nd
Approval (how many liked it)49th

59 /100

42nd percentile of all films

58th percentile among Action44th percentile among 2020s

Critics 20 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Action51st percentile among 2020s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 55% · Audience 72%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

91st percentile

19K ratings across platforms

83rd percentile among Action92nd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 3% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$126K

19th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slow-burn, low-budget origin story grounded in Norwegian scenery and Norse mythology, with Nat Wolff as a troubled American discovering godlike powers.

Fans praised

  • Gorgeous Norwegian scenery and cinematography
  • Refreshing, grounded take on Norse mythology away from Marvel tropes
  • Engaging slow-burn character study with emotional depth

Detractors panned

  • Poor lead casting and wooden performance from Nat Wolff
  • Boring, plodding pace with minimal action
  • Underdeveloped script with plot holes and weak dialogue

What stands out

Cinematography85

Stunning Norwegian landscapes, beautiful aerial shots, praised by nearly all

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

Decent for low budget but some poor CGI, especially lightning effects

OriginalityDivisive50

Fresh take on Norse myth but derivative of superhero tropes and reminiscent of other films

ActingDivisive45

Nat Wolff's performance widely panned as wooden and charmless; supporting cast mixed, some solid

Plot and storyDivisive35

Predictable, full of plot holes, rushed and unsatisfying resolution

PacingDivisive30

Extremely slow burn that many found tedious and boring

Characters30

Underdeveloped, one-dimensional characters with forced romance and no backstory

EndingDivisive25

Abrupt, unsatisfying cliffhanger that left most disappointed

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 10 points higher than men.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 11 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 26 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Mortal like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats Eric's powers and his journey with gravity, maintaining a dark, brooding atmosphere throughout.
The rideThe film establishes a tense, foreboding atmosphere that builds toward a dramatic and emotionally charged finale.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Eric's arrest through his escape and confrontation with his heritage.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's abrupt, tragic ending leaves a sense of unresolved potential and melancholy.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeEric's journey to understand his supernatural abilities and Norse heritage drives the plot, while his flight from authorities adds tension.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsPower · 2% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Eric's struggle to understand his extraordinary abilities and his true heritage, while grappling with the burden of power.
StanceThe film interrogates the meaning of Eric's powers and his place in the world, questioning rather than celebrating or condemning his supernatural nature.

The world

ContemporaryRuralWildernessInstitutionalIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Marcus Paus
SettingNorwegian forests, police station, hospital, Hardanger Bridge, and the ruins of Asgard
MusicThe score blends modern orchestral textures with ethereal elements, underscoring the supernatural and emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Mortal okay for kids?

R

Mortal is rated R: “Rated R for brief violence” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (56/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at mild (30/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (14/100) and frightening material at moderate (51/100). Overall it is heavier than 5% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • JapanR18+
  • FinlandK-12
  • Norway12
  • Russia16+
  • Taiwan保護級
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 27% of all filmsHeavier than 5% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 31%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 6%
Profanity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 6%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 5%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 33%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 31% of R-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Mortal have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Mortal?

Cast

Nat Wolff
as Eric
Iben Akerlie
as Christine
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Per Frisch
as Henrik
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Priyanka Bose
as Hathaway
Kai Kolstad Rødseth
as PST Officer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Niko Rusakov
as Army soldier
Ravdeep Singh Bajwa
as Radiologist
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Oddrun Valestrand
as Hospital Doctor
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mathilde Meraki Ypsøy
as Radio reporter
Per Egil Aske
as Bjørn

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Mortal?

Movies like Mortal include Narvik: Hitler's First Defeat (2022), The Phantom Carriage (1921) and Ragnarok (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, most are fantasy films, and several are supernatural dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its praise for cinematography. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Mortal?

569 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: origin story. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.