Introduction
The Netflix film Narvik: Hitler’s First Defeat (original Norwegian title: Kampen om Narvik), released in December 2022, brings to the screen one of the most dramatic and underappreciated episodes of the early Second World War. Directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg, the film tells the story of the Battle of Narvik in 1940, the first time Nazi Germany’s forces suffered a significant defeat. Blending historical accuracy with gripping human drama, Narvik is more than just a war movie — it is a deeply human story of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of life under occupation. Through the experiences of one Norwegian family, the film sheds light on a pivotal but often overlooked moment in history, showing how the fate of a small town reverberated across Europe.
Historical Context: The Real Battle of Narvik
Before delving into the film itself, it’s essential to understand the real history that inspired it. Narvik, a small port town in northern Norway above the Arctic Circle, held enormous strategic importance during World War II. Sweden’s rich iron ore deposits were crucial to the German armaments industry, and during the winter months, when Baltic ports froze over, this ore was transported by rail to Narvik and shipped by sea to Germany. Control of Narvik meant control of a vital resource that fueled Hitler’s war machine.
In April 1940, Nazi Germany launched Operation Weserübung, invading Denmark and Norway to secure strategic territory and protect its access to iron ore. German destroyers landed troops at Narvik on 9 April, quickly seizing the town. However, British, French, Polish, and Norwegian forces soon mounted a counteroffensive, resulting in fierce naval and ground battles in and around Narvik. By 27 May 1940, the Allies had recaptured the town, marking Hitler’s first defeat of the war. Although they were later forced to withdraw due to the German invasion of France, the battle demonstrated that the Nazi war machine could be resisted — and beaten.
Plot Overview: A Family Caught in the Crossfire
Narvik tells the story of this pivotal battle not through the lens of generals or politicians but through the lives of ordinary people. At its heart is the fictional Tofte family — a microcosm of the Norwegian experience during the German invasion.
The protagonist, Corporal Gunnar Tofte (played by Carl Martin Eggesbø), is a Norwegian soldier stationed near the Swedish border. As German forces invade, he and his comrades are called to defend their homeland. Meanwhile, his wife Ingrid Tofte (played by Kristine Hartgen) works as a translator at the local hotel, which is commandeered by the Germans as their headquarters. Ingrid’s fluency in German and English makes her a valuable intermediary, but her position places her in a morally perilous situation.
As the battle rages and the town changes hands, Ingrid faces difficult choices that test her loyalty to her country, her husband, and her conscience. She is forced to collaborate with the occupiers to protect her young son and elderly father-in-law, yet she also risks everything to help the Norwegian resistance. Gunnar, captured by the Germans, escapes and returns to fight in the bitter mountain battles that ultimately lead to Narvik’s liberation. The film climaxes with the Allied recapture of the town, but it ends on a bittersweet note: the Allies soon withdraw, and Norway falls under Nazi occupation for the next five years.
Humanizing History: The Personal Perspective
One of Narvik’s greatest strengths is its decision to focus on the personal dimension of war. Instead of presenting a sweeping overview of military strategy and politics, the film zooms in on how war affects ordinary lives. Gunnar and Ingrid are not generals or politicians; they are a young couple trying to protect their family amid chaos and moral uncertainty. Their struggles reflect the broader dilemmas faced by civilians in occupied Europe.
Ingrid’s character, in particular, embodies the moral complexity of life under occupation. Her work as a translator places her in proximity to the enemy, raising questions about collaboration and resistance. Is she betraying her country by helping the Germans communicate, or is she protecting her family and gathering intelligence? The film does not offer easy answers, instead portraying her choices with nuance and empathy. Through Ingrid, Narvik explores the gray areas of wartime morality — a theme often overlooked in traditional war films.
Themes: Resistance, Occupation, and Moral Ambiguity
Narvik is rich in themes that resonate far beyond its historical setting.
1. Resistance and National Identity
At its core, the film is about resistance — both armed and unarmed. Gunnar and his fellow soldiers fight bravely against overwhelming odds, symbolizing Norway’s determination to resist occupation. But resistance also takes subtler forms. Ingrid’s small acts of defiance, such as helping the resistance network or hiding information from the Germans, show that resistance is not always fought with weapons. It can also be an act of survival, dignity, and quiet courage.
The film also explores the importance of national identity. Norway, a small and neutral country, was thrust into the global conflict against its will. The defense of Narvik becomes a defense of Norwegian sovereignty and values. Even when faced with defeat, the characters’ commitment to their homeland remains unwavering.
2. Moral Ambiguity and Human Choices
Narvik refuses to present war in black-and-white terms. Instead, it embraces moral ambiguity. Ingrid’s actions, for example, are not easily categorized as right or wrong. She cooperates with the occupiers to keep her family safe but also risks her life to aid the resistance. Her choices reflect the impossible decisions many civilians faced during the war, where survival often clashed with loyalty and morality.
This moral complexity extends to other characters as well. Some Norwegians collaborate openly with the Germans, motivated by fear, opportunism, or pragmatism. Others fight to the death. The film suggests that war brings out the best and worst in people — and that the line between heroism and compromise is often thin.
3. The Cost of War
While Narvik depicts military victories and acts of heroism, it also highlights the immense human cost of war. Civilians are displaced, homes are destroyed, and lives are shattered. Gunnar and Ingrid’s marriage is strained by separation, trauma, and mistrust. Their son is caught in a world of violence and fear. Even victory feels hollow when weighed against such losses. By focusing on these human consequences, the film reminds viewers that war is not only fought on battlefields but also in homes, hearts, and minds.
Cinematic Style: Realism and Atmosphere
Director Erik Skjoldbjærg, known for his work on Insomnia and Occupied, brings a grounded and realistic approach to Narvik. The film’s cinematography captures the stark beauty and harshness of the Norwegian landscape, with snow-covered mountains and icy fjords serving as both a stunning backdrop and a formidable obstacle. The natural environment plays a crucial role in the story, shaping the course of the battle and the experiences of those who lived through it.
The combat scenes are intense but not glorified. Skjoldbjærg focuses on the confusion, fear, and chaos of battle rather than stylized heroics. Gunfights are gritty and chaotic, and soldiers are portrayed as vulnerable and human. This realism extends to the portrayal of civilian life under occupation, with scenes that depict hunger, fear, and suspicion with stark authenticity.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, more introspective scenes. This rhythm allows the story’s emotional weight to sink in and gives depth to the characters’ struggles. The result is a war film that is as much about human endurance and moral choices as it is about military action.
Performances and Characterization
The performances in Narvik anchor the film’s emotional core. Carl Martin Eggesbø delivers a compelling portrayal of Gunnar, capturing both his courage as a soldier and his vulnerability as a husband and father. Gunnar is not a stereotypical war hero; he is an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and Eggesbø plays him with quiet strength and humanity.
Kristine Hartgen is equally powerful as Ingrid. Her nuanced performance brings depth to a character torn between survival and resistance. Ingrid’s internal conflict is palpable, and Hartgen conveys it with subtlety and emotional honesty. Their on-screen chemistry grounds the story in personal stakes, reminding viewers that even in a global conflict, war is ultimately about individuals and families.
Historical Accuracy and Educational Value
While Narvik is a fictionalized account, it is deeply rooted in historical events. The film accurately portrays the strategic importance of Narvik, the German invasion of Norway, the naval battles in the fjords, and the Allied counteroffensive that briefly recaptured the town. It also highlights the international dimension of the campaign, with British, French, and Polish troops fighting alongside Norwegians.
Some liberties are taken for dramatic effect, particularly in the portrayal of the Tofte family, who are fictional. However, their story reflects real experiences of Norwegians during the occupation. By grounding the grand sweep of history in a relatable human narrative, Narvik makes a complex historical event accessible and emotionally resonant for contemporary audiences.
Legacy and Significance
Narvik: Hitler’s First Defeat is more than just a historical drama — it is a tribute to a pivotal but often overlooked chapter of World War II. The film brings much-needed attention to the Norwegian campaign and the significance of the Battle of Narvik as the first real setback for Nazi Germany. It also highlights the courage and resilience of the Norwegian people, who resisted occupation and endured five long years under Nazi rule.
The film’s title underscores its importance: “Hitler’s first defeat” was not merely a military event but a symbolic moment that showed the world the Nazi war machine could be challenged. In an era when Germany seemed unstoppable — having conquered Poland, Denmark, and soon France — the victory at Narvik was a beacon of hope for the Allied cause.
Conclusion: A Story Worth Remembering
Narvik: Hitler’s First Defeat is a powerful and poignant film that blends historical truth with compelling drama. By focusing on the experiences of one family, it brings a deeply human perspective to a pivotal moment in history. It explores not just battles and strategies but also the moral complexities, sacrifices, and resilience of people caught in the storm of war.
The film reminds us that history is not only made by generals and politicians but also by ordinary men and women who make extraordinary choices in extraordinary times. The courage of the people of Narvik — soldiers and civilians alike — resonates far beyond 1940. Their story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, the power of resistance, and the belief that even the mightiest tyranny can be challenged.
More than eight decades later, Narvik ensures that this remarkable story is not forgotten. It is a fitting tribute to those who fought and suffered in that icy corner of Norway — and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and resistance can prevail.
