Zack Snyder's Twilight of the Gods scores big with critics

Featuring all episodes of Zack Snyder'sTwilight of the Gods Now streaming on Netflix, the review embargo on this adult animated series based on Norse mythology was lifted at the time of its release, which can sometimes indicate potential concerns about the show's reception.

Zack Snyder returns with Twilight of the Godsan animated series showcasing his trademark intense battles and provocative scenes. This eight-episode series is Netflix's equivalent of the popular Norse-themed Greek mythology series Blood of Zeuswith cunning gods, brave 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 release. Encouraging, early reviews too Twilight of the Gods have been largely favorable, signaling a promising comeback for Snyder.

Zack Snyder's animated series, Twilight of the Godsinspired by Norse mythology, is now available to stream, and early reviews are surprisingly favorable. While some reviews are negative, most highlight the series' stunning animation, immersive world-building, strong voice acting, and intense action sequences. However, with a TV-MA rating due to its graphic content, including language, nudity, smoking and violence, some viewers feel that Snyder may have leaned too heavily on graphic violence and adult themes. Historically, Snyder's projects have faced criticism, particularly his latest Netflix endeavor, the Rebel Moon films, which received harsh reviews from both audiences and critics. In fact, Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon the flop may have doomed his other projects. On the contrary Twilight of the Gods seems to get a more positive reception.

Zack Snyder's Twilight of the Godsco-created with 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 uses 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 bleak visuals, Twilight of the Gods exudes vibrancy and offers rich, dynamic images, even in the darkest scenes. Snyder seems to have taken feedback to heart, especially after the mixed reception of Rebel Moonsuggesting that his signature style is really working against him and may no longer resonate with today's audience. Snyder had teased the inclusion of “a lot of sex,” but these intimate moments are tastefully integrated into the plot and offer character development rather than shock value. The series also delivers on the action, with blood and gore more like it Castlevania. True to Snyder's signature style, Twilight of the Gods perfectly encapsulates mature themes and visceral content, and delivers on its promise of grown-up storytelling.

While Twilight of the Gods has its strengths, it is not without some flaws. An important issue is the show's extensive cast, which sometimes feels overcrowded, reminiscent of the challenges that Rebel Moon's casting. While each character has a unique look and voice, they lack individual focus and can easily be shuffled over the course of the eight episodes, as there isn't enough time to fully explore their backstories and often short arcs. Notable standouts like Egill and Loki manage to shine, while Hervor (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen) and Hel (Jamie Chung) make lasting impressions. However, some characters begin to merge, especially among Sigrid's warriors or those around the Norse gods Thor and Loki. Even Odin (John Noble) seems underdeveloped and relies heavily on outside audience knowledge for depth. Much like other contemporary live-action series, Twilight of the Gods leaving viewers yearning for longer seasons with extra episodes that will allow for deeper exploration of each character. If Netflix greenlights a second season, there's plenty of room to flesh out the remaining characters and expand the story.

Twilight of the Gods currently streaming on Netflix.

More

Best Zack Snyder Movies, Ranked

Zack Snyder is a legendary director known for his distinct visual style and rule of cool, but how do his films stack up against each other?

Source: CBM