We've all heard about the gore, the historical accuracy, and Nicole Kidman's latest feat of monstrous mothering. However, one element of Robert Eggers's The Northman has been curiously – criminally? – left out of the promotional material and effusive word-of-mouth. The picture's leading man may make Prince Amleth into a mountain of muscle, but there's more eye candy to enjoy beyond the Skarsgård beefcake. In a scene of ritual sacrifice and funeral tradition, Claes Bang gets to showcase his assets, and they are glorious. Indeed, though the movie skews dark and gloomy, cinematographer Jarin Blaschke highlights the actor's bare back with golden flames, resulting in one of The Northman's most indelible shots.
Forgive the silliness and crass words, but in a time of sexless cinema, it's worth celebrating what little sensuality still graces the screen. Moreover, Bang's surprisingly soulful King Fjölnir is a reminder that we might be living through another great year for hot movie dads...
2021 may have been a dark year, but it was also rich with delectable daddies on the silver screen, transcending genre and budget, from Marvel blockbusters to Japanese indies. The list is extensive and may never be surpassed. Still, 2022 is already proving itself a contender. Bang may be the newest addition, but he's not the reigning champion. Not for me, at least. Indeed, in the spirit of celebration, I thought it'd be fun for us in the TFE community to share our favorite DILFs of the cinematic year. I'll go first and ask you to remember that everything is subjective in these lustful matters.
As far as I'm concerned, two patriarchs vie for the title of 2022's hottest movie dad, though one might have an unfair advantage. While he's simply credited as Waymond Wang, Ke Huy Quan gets to play several versions of the same character in Everything Everywhere All At Once. So without waiting to spoil too much about the picture's multiverse madness, let's just say that Quan gets to juggle three archetypes with distinct presences and appeal. On the one hand, he's an adorably heartfelt family man, the kind of guy who sticks googly eyes to random objects in the hope of cheering someone's day.
Sure, that Waymond's a bit dorky, but that's part of his appeal. For those who prefer something different, Quan can be seen without his glasses, performing vertiginous kung fu stunts as a battle-hardened hero. More excitingly still, he dons his best Tony Leung drag to star in a Wong Kar Wai-lite universe. Wearing a fitted tuxedo and an air of melancholic coolness, Ke Huy Quan is a heartthrob. It's no wonder that he gets a movie star cum multidimensional savior to follow him into a dark alley where they can speak of their love in green-tinged compositions à la Christopher Doyle.
My other contender only has one role to play. He's Colin Farrell in After Yang, director Kogonada's sophomore feature that tenderly meditates on grief, memory, and what makes a life. The actor plays Jake, a tea-loving dad who must grapple with the loss of Yang, an A.I. helper who suddenly breaks down, leaving his family shaken. Though looking like Colin Farrell certainly helps, the key to Jake's desirability is how delicately he's portrayed. Watching the star monologue about the wonders of tea or comfort his confused daughter is to witness the maximum expression of his hotness top date. The fact that Kogonada staged a scene where Farrell's inexplicably shirtless is a bonus.
Who are your favorite DILFs from this year's movies?