Arctic

The directorial debut from Joe Penna, written in collaboration with Ryan Morrison, the premise around Arctic, and its trailer, was superbly done. Evoking the fear and tension of trying to survive in the harshest of environments but also with the added responsibility to provide and care for another, injured, human being. The reality, however, is somewhat different.

The set up is such that you don’t feel the pressing urgency of being stranded in the sub-zero temperatures and inhospitable environment. Overgård (Mads Mikkelsen) has worked hard and been extremely resourceful to create what appears like an entirely liveable experience and very sensible daily routine. There appears to be no real fear of starvation or of the elements or temperature causing too much damage to him and his current existence.

When Overgård rescues a young woman (Maria Thelma) from a crashed rescue helicopter, he now has another person to look after and provide for when resources, and particularly medication, are already scarce. The strains of the decision to abandon your shelter and venture out in to the open doesn’t really fully reflect the trials that they have to endure.

Mikkelsen does do well, maybe too well, in his near silent role as Overgård. There isn’t much that you are worried about, that it can all be taken in his stride even with an injured individual in tow. He seems resourceful and resolutely determined to do whatever it takes to get this person, and himself, to safety. There are numerous obstacles and problems that need to be surmounted on this journey that cause consternation and big decisions but in the end it feels like they weren’t explored to their fullest.

Arctic has a great concept but it doesn’t press home the situation to its full extent leaving it feeling a little light on weight and atmosphere but is redeemed by the performance of Mikkelsen.