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Arctic
2018 98 min Iceland, United States of America PG-13 12+
★7.2
Drama, Adventure
Director: Joe Penna
Trailers
Description
A man stranded in the Arctic is finally about to receive his long awaited rescue. However, after a tragic accident, his opportunity is lost and he must then decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his camp or embark on a deadly trek through the unknown for potential salvation.
Budget:
$2M
US Gross:
$2.41M
Worldwide:
$4.1M
Starring
Mads Mikkelsen
Actor
Maria Thelma Smáradóttir
Actor
Tintrinai Thikhasuk
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2018
— Caméra d'Or
Key opinion
Arctic is a stark, dialogue-sparse survival drama anchored by a compelling, committed performance from Mads Mikkelsen. While many viewers find the meditative, "show-don't-tell" approach deeply immersive and emotionally resonant, others feel the thin plot and lack of backstory make the experience tedious and predictable.
| Acting | Mads Mikkelsen delivers a grounded, emotionally powerful performance that serves as the film's essential anchor. | |
| Direction | The film utilizes a "show-don't-tell" approach that relies on visual storytelling and atmosphere rather than traditional dialogue or exposition. | |
| Cinematography | The breathtaking, starkly realistic cinematography effectively conveys the harshness and isolation of the Arctic landscape. | |
| Pacing | The deliberate, meditative pacing rewards those seeking a contemplative survival story, but others perceive it as slow, eventless, and potentially boring. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is criticized for being overly linear and lacking in narrative depth, failing to provide enough backstory or stakes to maintain interest for every viewer. | |
| Originality | The film's survival mechanics draw praise for their grounded realism, yet technical experts note inconsistencies regarding survival techniques and logic. |