I've also seen the film, i'm not sure if I liked it or not although I'm a big fan of the director's early works, mostly The VVitch. I see your point on some possible Berserk references but it's not likely since The Northman is an adaptation of The Amleth, which is basically Shakespeare's Hamlet...
I hope this isn't the wrong place to share this. But I found a video that I really like, and I believe you might like it too. Judeau playing next to a bonfire....that's it. It's like therapy.