Kraken

by Mike McGranaghan

Krakens have been woefully underrepresented onscreen. They’ve appeared significantly in Clash of the Titans, Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken, and not much else. For that reason, it’s pleasing to get a horror movie devoted to the sea creatures. The Norwegian import aptly titled Kraken doesn’t entirely succeed, but at least you get some decent Kraken-related action.

At a fjord in Norway, there is a fish farm where special technology called “sonic lice” is used to rid salmon of parasites. Sonic lice? Yes, really. One of its designers, Johanne (Sara Khorami), is brought in to inspect the fjord after teenage Maria (Jenny Evensen) captures troubling footage of salmon flying out of the water in mass numbers. Following an awkward reunion with co-designer Erik (Mikkel Bratt Silset), Johanne gets to work, determining that the sonic lice has inadvertently unleashed a massive tentacled creature. Spoiler alert: it’s a kraken.

Kraken has its share of positive qualities. For starters, the cinematography is excellent. The film does not look like a cheap-o production; it’s lovingly photographed. Utilizing a fjord as the primary location adds to that quality. Had the picture been done via green screen, it would not have felt nearly as atmospheric. Solid visual effects are another bonus. Scenes where the monster attacks are credibly done, leading to undeniable moments of fun.

The film is only 83 minutes, pre-credits, though. It therefore feels rushed. Characters are given only perfunctory introductions and never developed meaningfully afterward. Interpersonal situations, like Maria being the whistleblowing daughter of the fish farm’s manager, could add to the drama but are never depicted in depth. Director Pål Øie needs to work on his ability to generate suspense, too. Many sequences need to go longer to build the necessary sense of dread. The reason why pictures like Jurassic Park and Alien work is because they take the time to let the audience’s anticipation build. Without that restraint, we’re left feeling like the kraken attacks are being shortchanged.

Hurried plotting also makes it unclear what Johanne and Erik are doing at the end to fight off the Kraken. I honestly could not tell you exactly what happens in the big finale.

Kraken is watchable and contains a few minor thrills, although it never reaches its full potential. Is it worth seeing? That depends. If you just want a short, mindless piece of aquatic horror, you could do a lot worse. Conversely, those seeking genuine terror will be left feeling largely unsatisfied.

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