Niko’s journey continues: Beyond the Northern Lights
A beloved reindeer returns
Everyone’s favorite reindeer, Niko, is set to return for the third time in the hit CGI animated film, Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights. This new installment promises to deliver more heartwarming moments and thrilling adventures. You can catch a glimpse of the magic in the trailer.
The evolution of Niko
Director Kari Juusonen and co-director Jørgen Lerdam have crafted a story that pushes Niko to new heights, both literally and figuratively. “We like to make things difficult for Niko,” Juusonen jokes. This time, Niko is on a quest to join Santa’s prestigious Flying Forces, following in his father’s hoofsteps. Overcoming his fear of heights was just the beginning; now, the pressure to live up to his father’s legacy is taking its toll.
Growing up on screen
In this third installment, Niko undergoes significant changes. “We see the biggest change in Niko. He always learns something new, but now, he’s really on the verge of growing up. He becomes a teenager,” says production designer Mikko Pitkänen. This natural progression of the character is what makes the story so compelling. It’s not just about adding more action and funnier jokes; it’s about Niko’s journey and his relationship with his father.
Embracing darker themes
The team at Anima Vitae wasn’t afraid to explore some darker themes in this film. ”We don’t mind going quite heavy,” Juusonen explains. Despite the limitations of animating reindeers, the characters are incredibly appealing, thanks to the team’s efforts. “If it were up to me, these films would be much darker!” Pitkänen laughs. The balance between emotional depth and action-packed sequences is what makes this film stand out.
A surprising franchise
The success of the Niko films was unexpected. “It was a complete surprise,” Juusonen admits. The first script felt like a pioneering idea in Finland, a country that feels a special connection to Santa and his flying reindeers. The team wanted to celebrate Lappish nature and Santa’s hometown, Rovaniemi, but they ended up focusing on Niko’s family.
Real-life inspirations
Juusonen drew from his own life experiences to create authentic moments in the film. “You have this reindeer growing up without a father, trying to figure out if he’s really as wonderful as he thinks he is, and then finding out the truth,” he says. This personal touch adds a layer of depth to the story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
A stepfather’s perspective
Pitkänen, who is a stepfather himself, found the story particularly meaningful. “To have this squirrel as a sort of stepfather to Niko… I’ve always thought it was such a great idea,” he says. The film’s portrayal of non-traditional family dynamics has sparked some controversy, but it also feels true to life. “The adults aren’t always doing the right thing. In this third film, you come to the point when you realize you can make better choices than your parents even did.”
Humor and heart
While Niko discovers harsh truths about his dad, the film is not without its humor. The lemmings, in particular, are a source of comic relief and have become fan favorites. “Many people got excited about the lemmings,” Pitkänen admits, hinting at the possibility of future sequels. “The wise thing would be to start thinking about the next Niko film. We haven’t done that after the second[2012[2012Little Brother, Big Trouble: A Christmas Adventure]because we had to wait for the right story. But there are so many things we haven’t done yet.”
Final thoughts
Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights is more than just a continuation of a beloved series; it’s a story of growth, family, and self-discovery. With its blend of emotional depth, humor, and stunning animation, this film is sure to captivate audiences once again. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Niko’s world, this latest adventure is not to be missed.