Survival films anchored by a strong masculine presence are quite well-worn territory in recent years. From Matt Damon growing potatoes in sci-fi film The Martian to Liam Neeson battling wolves in The Grey, can another take on this type of tale offer anything new?
Arctic focuses on Overgård (Mads Mikkelsen) who is stranded in the freezing Arctic after a plane crash and is doing what he can to survive and seek rescue. One day he thinks rescue has come, but a disaster leaves him fighting not just for his own salvation but also that of another who is critically injured. Will he remain in the relative safety of his camp with his fellow survivor or will he risk a journey through the treacherous landscape to find salvation?
Brazilian musician-director Joe Penna, in his feature film debut, delivers a bare-knuckle and riveting quest for Overgård to seek survival, having to battle against the elements and cross the beautifully snowy terrains, Mikkelsen often all there is to contrast against the vast expanse of white that fill the frames. The film does not truly grip until Overgård's quest begins, but Penna successfully uses the quieter first half to push how dangerous Overgård 's journey is.
Mikkelsen delivers gruff and humanistic work as Overgård, and the entire film rests on his performance, most of which is delivered without dialogue and instead in small facial gestures or strained body language. When Mikkelsen speaks it is always with great purpose, but his non-verbal acting really allows the audience to enjoy the smallest of victories for his character in this dangerous snowscape; whether it is discovering a lighter or eating freshly cooked noodles, you're there with Overgård as he takes what little pleasures he can in this otherwise gruelling survival thriller.
This is the complete opposite to Damon and Neeson's pontificating in their films, but still carries that innate human need to live no matter what and with grim machismo - and shares more in common with the likes of Robert Redford one-hander All is Lost.
What is also integral is the entirely compassionate relationship that develops between Overgård and his wounded fellow survivor, as despite being complete strangers and cannot even converse beyond a few examples of body language, this is the emotional heart of the film.
Full of shock turns, moments of horrific injury, and frustrating emotional scenes, Arctic will keep your hands clenched on the arm of your chair until its final breathless moments.
Verdict
Arctic is a gruelling survival thriller that isn't for the faint-hearted, but Mads Mikkelsen is magnetic in this ice-cold and bare-bones tale.
| Title | Arctic |
| Rating | TBC |
| Release date | TBC |
| Director | Joe Penna |
| Starring | Mads Mikkelsen |
Arctic will be shown at BFI London Film Festival in October, and is released in UK cinemas in early 2019.