Long after his plane crash-landed in the Arctic, a man must decide whether to stay at the crash site or set out for the unknown to seek help.
The European way of unfolding a narrative with a touch of Scandinavian darkness and a taste of Icelandic identity. Writer/director Joe Penna and writer/editor Ryan Morrison have beautifully paced the drama that leads to the fork that saves your life or points you to certain death. And regardless of what road you take, you can’t know which is which. Until it’s probably too late… Penna and Morrison have been collaborating since the beginning of their career to this very day. If you haven’t watched their sci-fi Stowaway (2021), you definitely need to. Special mention deserves the cinematographer Tómas Örn Tómasson – native Icelander – who knows exactly what he needs to shoot and how. All three collaborate perfectly behind the camera and give you great value for your money.
While the crew works tirelessly behind the camera, the person in front of the camera who cuts your breath is none other than the highly expressive and diverse Mads Mikkelsen. All the struggle, frustration, agony, and horror are written on his forehead while he’s trying to keep it together and save both their lives. Seeing is believing, so go for it and see for yourselves.
Arctic, Penna’s feature film debut, rightfully received a 10-minute standing ovation at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Interestingly, I watched George Clooney’s The Midnight Sky (2020) only a few months ago, and I couldn’t help but compare the differences and similarities. As much as it’s tempting to present them or some of them now, I’ll resist. They are, essentially, different films, and for various reasons, I liked them both. If you watch or have watched them both, though, ask yourselves this: What drives you? What is it that keeps you going through life’s hardship? When all hope seems lost, how do you find the strength to “squeeze hard”? Don’t undermine Clooney either, as both he and Penna present the world through their lens. As we experience life through our eyes.
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Solidarity for all the innocent lives who suffer the atrocities of war!
Stay safe!
