AceShowbiz - Troll 2 has arrived on Netflix, but it fails to address a persistent issue that has haunted kaiju films for years. The original 2022 film, Troll, was a surprising hit and quickly led to a sequel. Merging Scandinavian folklore with giant monster action, Troll offered a fresh take on a well-trodden genre. However, Troll 2, which premiered in 2025, does little to elevate the narrative flaws evident in its predecessor, perpetuating a trend that is all too familiar within kaiju cinema.

While it offers ample monster mayhem to keep viewers entertained, the film's lack of depth ultimately detracts from its potential as a compelling cinematic experience.

The Human Storyline Is The Weakest Aspect of Troll Movies

The human narrative in Troll 2 is, regrettably, the weakest link. While both films deserve recognition for their creativity compared to similar offerings, the shallow portrayal of human characters becomes increasingly noticeable as the series continues. The original Troll managed to be enjoyable despite its flimsy characters and thin plot, but Troll 2 suffers from these same limitations.

Watching the trolls wreak havoc can be entertaining, but without a robust supporting storyline, the film quickly loses its appeal. The character of Nora maintains a tenuous connection to the trolls that feels more like a narrative convenience than a meaningful arc, leaving her character stagnant in the sequel. Although the Scandinavian folklore woven into the Troll franchise is refreshing, the films' deficiencies mirror those seen in popular kaiju series such as Godzilla. In classic Godzilla films, human characters often serve merely as background for monumental battles. This formula may have worked decades ago, but contemporary audiences seek more substance.

The human storyline in the Troll films doesn't need to be revolutionary but should drive the action forward. As evidenced by Troll 2's declining Rotten Tomatoes score, director Roar Uthaug cannot rely on the same formula and expect the same success. Even attempts to add new elements to the troll mythology serve only as a temporary fix for the underwhelming plot.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Troll 3

It could be argued that films like Troll 2 don’t require profound depth and should simply aim to entertain. While this perspective is valid, it loses weight when contrasted with films like Godzilla Minus One, a 2023 standout that successfully blends action with emotional depth.