Arctic (2018)
Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma Smáradóttir
Runtime: 98 minutes
Synopsis: A man stranded in the Arctic after an airplane crash must decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his makeshift camp or to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown.
Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Costumes/Makeup: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Verdict: Well I certainly wasn't expecting that from Joe Penna's directorial debut.
The Brazilian filmmaker, known worldwide for his YouTube channel (MysteryGuitarMan), crafted perhaps one of the best and most authentic survival films to come out recently.
Starring Mads Mikkelsen as a plane-crash survivor trying to hold on to his life in the Arctic, the Danish actor truly stepped up his game to deliver an emotional, heartfelt performance that carried a movie that relied mostly on his acting. Barely any lines are uttered, and every emotion felt was effectively translated through Mikkelsen's array of facial expressions, displaying the man's tough situation and determination of not losing hope. My only issue with the story itself, and I can't say that it bothered me much, was the addition of an injured character early in the movie that did drag the narrative down, but also contributed to showing Mikkelsen's sense of humanity.
Technically, the movie is beautiful to look at. The score and editing elevate the sense of urgency and melancholy our main character is going through. The only element I thought was distracting was the aspect ratio of 2.39:1 used that failed to highlight the vast nothingness surrounding the survivor.
"Arctic" is nevertheless definitely worth checking out. It's a well-made and incredibly acted survival story that doesn't beat you over the head with needless information, but instead lets you figure out things using subtle, small details.
Starring Mads Mikkelsen as a plane-crash survivor trying to hold on to his life in the Arctic, the Danish actor truly stepped up his game to deliver an emotional, heartfelt performance that carried a movie that relied mostly on his acting. Barely any lines are uttered, and every emotion felt was effectively translated through Mikkelsen's array of facial expressions, displaying the man's tough situation and determination of not losing hope. My only issue with the story itself, and I can't say that it bothered me much, was the addition of an injured character early in the movie that did drag the narrative down, but also contributed to showing Mikkelsen's sense of humanity.
Technically, the movie is beautiful to look at. The score and editing elevate the sense of urgency and melancholy our main character is going through. The only element I thought was distracting was the aspect ratio of 2.39:1 used that failed to highlight the vast nothingness surrounding the survivor.
"Arctic" is nevertheless definitely worth checking out. It's a well-made and incredibly acted survival story that doesn't beat you over the head with needless information, but instead lets you figure out things using subtle, small details.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
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