
Grylu Sker follows a lost explorer struggling to survive on a bleak Icelandic island shaped by folklore. Written by Tab Murphy and Sjón, the film reimagines the legendary witch Grýla through bunraku puppets, stop-motion animation and practical effects.
Grylu Sker is an Icelandic folklore film centered on a lost explorer facing the dangers of a harsh, unforgiving island. Its story also reimagines Grýla, the legendary Icelandic witch, giving the survival premise a distinctly folkloric dimension.
The film combines several handcrafted techniques, including 36-inch bunraku puppets, stop-motion animation, traditional in-camera effects, and old-fashioned smoke-and-mirrors trickery. Kevin McTurk directs and shares writing credit with Tab Murphy and Sjón.
Grylu Sker movie details
| Title | Grylu Sker |
|---|---|
| Director | Kevin McTurk |
| Writers | Kevin McTurk, Tab Murphy, Sjón |
| Country | Iceland |
| Status | Released |
| TMDB rating | 9.0/10 from 1 votes |
Story without spoilers
The film follows an explorer who becomes lost on a bleak island and must fight to survive. Set within a world influenced by Icelandic folklore, Grylu Sker connects the explorer’s ordeal with a reimagining of Grýla, a legendary Icelandic witch. The supplied story details establish the setting and central conflict without revealing how the struggle unfolds.
What to expect
Grylu Sker is built around survival, folklore and practical visual craftsmanship. Its production uses 36-inch-tall bunraku puppets alongside stop-motion animation and in-camera effects, suggesting a deliberately handmade approach to bringing the island and its supernatural elements to life. The premise points to a dark, isolated setting rather than a contemporary adventure story.
Cast and creative team
Peter Stormare is credited as The Mariner, while Piotr Michael plays The Explorer. Aaron LaPlante provides the voice of Grýla. Ronald Binion, Ben Bayouth, Greg Ballora, Christine Papalexis and Brittaney albot are credited as puppeteers. Auður Sif Jónsdóttir is listed as Ancient Voice, and Marina Wells as Daughter.
Kevin McTurk directs and is one of the film’s writers. The screenplay is also credited to Tab Murphy, known for Gorillas in the Mist and The Haunted Swordsman, and Icelandic author Sjón, who is credited as a co-writer of The Northman.
- Peter Stormare as The Mariner
- Piotr Michael as The Explorer
- Aaron LaPlante as Grýla (voice)
- Ronald Binion as Lead Puppeteer
- Ben Bayouth as Puppeteer
- Greg Ballora as Puppeteer
- Christine Papalexis as Puppeteer
- Brittaney albot as Puppeteer
- Auður Sif Jónsdóttir as Ancient Voice
- Marina Wells as Daughter
Release and production context
Grylu Sker is listed as released and identified as an Iceland production. The supplied information does not include a release date, runtime, spoken-language listing or production-company credits.
Movies Dock view
With its isolated survival premise, Icelandic folklore setting and combination of puppetry, stop motion and practical effects, Grylu Sker presents a distinctive handcrafted take on a dark legend. The available details establish its setting, creative team and production methods without disclosing the story’s outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What is Grylu Sker about?
It follows a lost explorer fighting to survive on a bleak, unforgiving island in a world shaped by Icelandic folklore.
Who directed Grylu Sker?
Kevin McTurk directed the film.
Who wrote Grylu Sker?
The film is written by Kevin McTurk, Tab Murphy and Sjón.
Who plays the explorer?
Piotr Michael is credited as The Explorer.
Who plays Grýla?
Aaron LaPlante provides the voice of Grýla.















