Arctic

Or when the label "minimalist, non-literal, cold, detached procedural" for a survival genre film is taken literally. Like really literally. And that’s a good thing. Speechless, blinkered, detached, pragmatic and bereft of hope and the will to live, Mikkelsen pulls it off reliably together with the impressively chilling atmosphere of endless snowdrifts, despite the somewhat stilted pacing and setbacks during all that tedious step-breathe-step trudging. (05/16/2021)

After a slow start, Arctic takes on a more dramatic character due to the hopelessness of the situation depicted, without resorting to thriller clichés, while retaining the parameters of a minimalist, believable survival drama worthy of the participation of my current favorite European actor. But don’t expect anything revolutionary, such as Boyle’s 127 Hours. [Cannes] (05/12/2018)

A powerful survival drama about human tenacity, determination and strength to survive at all costs, dominated by Mikkelsen with his top performance and a screenplay that is able to take full advantage of the seemingly hopeless situation, the bleakness of the Arctic environment and economical props. The consistently escalating tension and gradual tightening of the conditions that the heroically capable, persistent and good protagonist has to face in all respects capture your attention from beginning to end, even though the film finds itself on the verge of unbelief a few times. (10/07/2018)

A melancholic journey undertaken by two castaways across a snowbound continent. Everything relies entirely on Mikelsen, who drags the movie along as doggedly as he does the sledge. This movie about a man pitted against nature, which cheats whenever it can, is bleak, but it has surprises in store. Unfortunately the directing has no surprises, which is a bit of a shame. Penna takes no chances and leaves everything to one excellent Danish actor and Icelandic exteriors. It’ll be alright. (04/06/2019)

I didn't realize what I was getting myself into until the moment that endless white landscape spread out before me. This couldn't be more monotonous, I thought. But after a few minutes, when I was wondering whether this role of his was outright stupidity, Mads decided not to leave it at that and started fighting with the snow. And suddenly I forgot that there's nothing around, suddenly I was rooting for him and living through every move he made. I wouldn't take that on with an average actor. I'd do it again with Mads. A strong 3 stars. (10/23/2021)