Against the Ice | Official Trailer | Netflix

Against the Ice is a harrowing survival drama based on the true story of a perilous Arctic expedition. Directed by Peter Flinth, the film is adapted from the memoir Two Against the Ice by Danish explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen. Released in 2022, it is an emotionally charged narrative about courage, endurance, and the unbreakable bond forged in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Set in 1909, the film chronicles the journey of Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his inexperienced crew member, Iver Iversen (played by Joe Cole). The two set out to disprove a United States claim to Greenland, a task requiring them to recover critical evidence left behind by a previous expedition.

Their journey through the icy wilderness is fraught with challenges: harsh weather, dwindling supplies, physical exhaustion, and the psychological toll of isolation. As months turn into years, Mikkelsen and Iversen must rely on each other for survival, confronting not only the deadly environment but also their own doubts and fears.

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty and unforgiving nature of the Arctic. Sweeping shots of endless ice fields and towering glaciers immerse the audience in the explorers’ perilous world. The performances by Coster-Waldau and Cole are deeply compelling, portraying the resilience and vulnerability of their characters with authenticity.

While Against the Ice is an intense survival story, it also delves into themes of friendship, perseverance, and the human spirit’s ability to endure against insurmountable odds. It pays homage to the bravery of early explorers who ventured into the unknown, risking everything in the pursuit of knowledge.