ARCTIC | Official Trailer

Artic (2018) is a survival drama that plunges audiences into the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Arctic, where survival against the elements and inner struggles of the human spirit take center stage. Directed by Joe Penna, this gripping film is a test of endurance and resilience, with the story following a lone survivor who must navigate the wilderness in search of safety.

Plot Summary

The film begins with Mads Mikkelsen playing Overgård, a man stranded in the Arctic following a plane crash. With no means of communication or immediate rescue, he has been surviving in isolation for an undetermined amount of time. His survival depends on his resourcefulness, where he uses limited supplies to create shelter, hunt for food, and endure the brutal cold.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Overgård discovers an injured woman (played by Maria Thelma Smáradóttir), who has been caught in a tragic accident and is in desperate need of medical assistance. Despite his own injuries and exhaustion, Overgård takes it upon himself to help her. The two embark on a perilous journey to seek help, battling extreme temperatures, hunger, and the constant threat of the unforgiving environment.

The film is a meditation on human survival instincts, sacrifice, and the lengths one would go to for another person in dire circumstances. Overgård’s struggle is not only against nature but also against the weight of his own isolation and the crushing reality of their dire situation.

Key Themes

• Survival Against the Elements: At its core, Artic is about the struggle for survival in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. The stark and barren landscape serves as both a physical and psychological adversary, as the characters face extreme cold, limited resources, and the constant threat of death from exposure, starvation, or injury.
• Human Resilience: The film explores the resilience of the human spirit when pushed to its limits. Overgård’s resourcefulness, determination, and will to live are tested throughout the film as he battles through physical exhaustion, trauma, and despair.
• Isolation and Loneliness: A significant theme in Artic is the emotional toll of isolation. Overgård has been alone for an extended period, which adds layers to his internal struggle. His capacity to still care for another human being and make difficult decisions reflects a theme of hope amidst the bleakness.
• Moral Choices and Sacrifice: As Overgård helps the injured woman, the movie delves into the moral dilemmas of survival — what lengths are we willing to go to for someone else’s survival when our own lives are at stake? The personal sacrifices made create an emotional depth that intensifies the tension of the journey.

Performance and Direction

Mads Mikkelsen delivers a powerhouse performance as the silent, rugged survivor. With minimal dialogue, his expressions and body language communicate the weight of the character’s journey. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of a man who is physically and mentally breaking down yet still fighting for survival is compelling and powerful.

The direction by Joe Penna is tight and immersive. Penna’s careful pacing allows the tension of survival to gradually build as Overgård’s journey unfolds. The limited dialogue and long stretches of solitude emphasize the isolation and struggle of the protagonist, letting the environment speak for itself.

The cinematography, with its sweeping shots of the Arctic landscape, emphasizes both the beauty and the menace of the environment. The vast, icy wilderness creates a striking contrast with the fragility of human life, reinforcing the overwhelming odds that the character must face.