Zack Snyder’s latest project, Twilight of the Gods, is already stirring up conversation, and—unsurprisingly—critics are split. The Netflix animated series, which dives deep into Norse mythology, centers on Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks), a fierce warrior seeking revenge against Thor (Pilou Asbæk) and the gods of Asgard. With its blend of epic visuals and intense action, the show marks Snyder’s first full venture into animation, but early reviews suggest it may not be his most cohesive work.
The series has drawn a mixed response, with some reviewers praising its stunning animation and others criticizing the lack of narrative depth. As with many of Snyder’s films, Twilight of the Gods appears to be visually arresting but struggles to ground its characters and story.
According to JoBlo’s Steve Seigh, the series is “a brilliantly bloody and well-crafted epic that brings promise to the filmmaker’s foray into animation.” His enthusiasm was echoed by Bloody Disgusting’s Daniel Kurland, who called it an “Adrenaline-Pumping, Bloodsoaked Orgy of Action.” However, not all critics were won over by the show’s bombast. Isaiah Colbert from IGN rated the series 6/10, claiming it justifies its mature content but lacks substance. The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han also expressed disappointment, saying, “As a work simply to be looked at, it’s a thing of beauty. Alas, as one to get emotionally invested in, it’s rather more lacking.”
A Classic Snyder Setup
In typical Zack Snyder fashion, the plot of Twilight of the Gods is an epic quest for vengeance. Set in a mythical world, the story follows Leif (Stuart Martin), a mortal king saved by Sigrid on the battlefield. The two fall in love, but after their wedding night is ravaged by Thor’s wrath, they embark on a brutal crusade against the gods. The narrative promises to take viewers through hellish landscapes, bloody battlefields, and confrontations with gods and demons alike.
This ambitious plot, however, is where some critics feel the series falls short. While Twilight of the Gods boasts impressive visuals and Snyder’s signature flair for action, the show’s emotional and narrative layers leave something to be desired. Angie Han’s critique touches on this, stating that while it’s easy to admire the series’ artistry, the characters and story fail to inspire the same level of investment.
Critics Divided, Audiences Likely to Rally
While the critical reception has been lukewarm, Snyder’s fanbase is notoriously loyal. Given the polarized nature of the reviews, Twilight of the Gods could follow a familiar trajectory: mediocre scores from critics, but far more enthusiasm from general audiences. Though a Rotten Tomatoes score has yet to be released, the series will likely hover around the middle of the pack based on early reviews.
The show’s visceral appeal may still work in its favor. After all, the first trailer made it clear with the tagline “Blood. Sex. Dragons.” that Twilight of the Gods is a no-holds-barred spectacle. And while critics might lament the lack of depth, Snyder has never been one to shy away from delivering an extravagant visual experience, which will likely resonate with his core audience.
What’s Next for Snyder?
Despite the mixed critical reception, Snyder remains a Netflix favorite, with Twilight of the Gods marking his sixth collaboration with the streaming giant. Fans are already speculating about the director’s next moves, with whispers of a potential prequel series or a continuation of the story. One thing is certain: wherever Snyder goes, strong opinions are sure to follow.
Twilight of the Gods is now streaming on Netflix, and time will tell whether viewers will embrace this animated adventure or if it will remain another divisive entry in Zack Snyder’s eclectic filmography.
