Zack Snyder’s Twilight of the Gods Scores Big with Critics

With all episodes of Zack Snyder’sTwilight of the Gods now streaming on Netflix, the review embargo for this adult animated series, based on Norse mythology, lifted concurrently with its release, which can sometimes indicate potential concerns regarding the show’s reception.

Zack Snyder returns with Twilight of the Gods, an animated series showcasing his trademark intense battles and provocative scenes. This eight-episode show is Netflix’s Norse-themed counterpart to the popular Greek mythology series Blood of Zeus, featuring cunning gods, courageous mortals, and unexpected twists on classic myths. After the mixed reception of Snyder’s Rebel Moon duology, Twilight of the Gods appears to be a long-awaited triumph for the acclaimed writer-director, whose ambitious concepts often face scrutiny before their release. Encouragingly, early reviews for Twilight of the Gods have been largely favorable, signaling a promising comeback for Snyder.

Zack Snyder’s animated series, Twilight of the Gods, inspired by Norse mythology, is now available for streaming, and early reviews are surprisingly favorable. While some critiques lean negative, most highlight the series’ stunning animation, immersive world-building, strong voice performances, and intense action sequences. However, with a TV-MA rating due to its graphic content, including language, nudity, smoking, and violence, some viewers feel Snyder may have leaned too heavily into graphic violence and adult themes. Historically, Snyder’s projects have faced criticism, particularly his recent Netflix endeavor, the Rebel Moon films, which received harsh reviews from both audiences and critics. In fact, Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon flop might have doomed his other projects. In contrast, Twilight of the Gods appears to be receiving a more positive reception.

Zack Snyder’s Twilight of the Gods, co-created alongside Jay Oliva and Eric Carrasco, boasts stunning visuals brought to life by Stone Quarry Animation and Xilam Animation, the acclaimed Oscar-nominated studio behind the Netflix-acquired, R-rated animated film I Lost My Body and the popular Oggy and the Cockroaches. The series employs classic 2D animation, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of a time when this style was the industry standard. Unlike Snyder’s previous films, often criticized for muted color palettes and murky visuals, Twilight of the Gods radiates vibrancy, offering rich, dynamic imagery, even in its darkest scenes. Snyder seems to have taken feedback to heart, especially following the mixed reception of Rebel Moon, suggesting his signature style really does work against him and may no longer resonate with today’s audiences. Snyder had teased the inclusion of “lots of sex,” but these intimate moments are tastefully integrated into the plot, offering character development rather than shock value. The series also delivers on action, with its blood and gore more akin to Castlevania. True to Snyder’s signature style, Twilight of the Gods perfectly encapsulates mature themes and visceral content, delivering on its promise of adult storytelling.

While Twilight of the Gods has its strengths, it isn’t without a few shortcomings. One significant issue is the show’s extensive cast, which sometimes feels overcrowded, reminiscent of the challenges faced by Rebel Moon’s casting. Although each character boasts a unique appearance and voice, they lack individual focus and can easily blend over the course of the eight episodes, as there isn’t enough time to fully explore their backstories and often brief arcs. Notable standouts like Egill and Loki do manage to shine, while Hervor (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen) and Hel (Jamie Chung) make lasting impressions. However, some characters start to blend together, especially among Sigrid’s band of warriors or those around the Norse gods Thor and Loki. Even Odin (John Noble) seems underdeveloped, relying heavily on external audience knowledge for depth. Much like other contemporary live-action series, Twilight of the Gods leaves viewers yearning for longer seasons with extra episodes that will allow deeper exploration of each character. If Netflix greenlights a second season, there’s ample opportunity to flesh out the remaining characters and expand the story.

Twilight of the Gods is currently streaming on Netflix.

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Source: CBM