Flicks, Luke Buckmaster
Stranded and desperate, Mads Mikkelsen is put to the test in the survival in the wilderness drama Arctic. His performance is faultless and the film is gracefully told.
Full review
Arctic
Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt) leads this almost dialogue-free survival drama as a man stranded in the Arctic with a life-or-death decision to make. Nominated for the Golden Camera at Cannes 2018.
"The film follows a man (Mikkelsen) stranded in the Arctic, who 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." (Cannes Film Festival)
Less2018Rating: M, Offensive language & content that may disturb97 minsIceland
DramaWorld CinemaFestival & Independent
- Director:
- Joe Penna (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Joe PennaRyan Morrison
- Cast:
- Mads MikkelsenMaria Thelma Smáradóttir
Arctic | Reviews
90%150 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Variety
[Penna] doesn’t wow you (though the film, in its level way, is elegantly shot). But he doesn’t cheat you, either, so you come to trust the gravity of his nuts-and-bolts storytelling.
Full review
The Times
Mikkelsen takes commanding centre stage in a guilty-pleasure survival drama with global ambitions.
Full review
The Telegraph
This is Penna’s debut feature, and he has set himself a high bar which he just about scrapes over, with Mikkelsen giving the entire project a super-strength leg up.
Full review
The Guardian
Mikkelsen hurls himself into proceedings. It’s a performance of intense commitment, one where every grunt and yowl feels agonisingly authentic.
Full review
Screen Daily
One man's struggle for survival is served straight-up and well-chilled in Brazilian YouTube phenomenon Joe Penna's debut feature.
Full review
IndieWire
Arctic works because it’s so believable. The movie never cheats or takes shortcuts.
Full review
Hollywood Reporter
Elegantly shot, crisp and unfussy, and seamless in its near-invisible use of digital effects, creating a persuasive you-are-there feeling that's rare in these days of flashy CG thrills.
Full review
Arctic | Release Details
Arctic is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV and Academy On Demand.