Arctic

What I missed there is directorial skill to tame on camera the element of nature, which abounds in Kormakur’s Everest, for example. Arctic is smaller, sparser, more restrained in its production design and considerably poorer in casting. It's not a grand story, but the journey of one man who makes key decisions to survive under extreme conditions. A survival story is always going to be relatively cool and evocative, as the mental strains in an individual's basic survival instincts are a compelling and eternal theme, but Arctic could have perhaps played out a little better with a slightly more colorful story. In short, I can't shake the impression that they could have got more out of Antarctica. Mikkelsen is, of course, great. (23/04/2019)

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. (23/10/2021)

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] (12/05/2018)

One hundred percent immersive spectacle. I believed everything Mads Mikkelsen did, and that was the basis of its success. I liked that we don't know anything more about his character than that he's a smart guy, we're thrown into the plot at the beginning and gradually get to know what the creators want us to know. For example, that a man can remain a man even in the worst conditions. Or should. (15/09/2019)

Arctic is pure Mads Mikkelsen brilliance—raw and intense from the very first minute. The stunning shots of endless, snow-covered Icelandic landscapes and the grueling conditions that must've come with filming make it clear that Mads is an absolute beast. This is a survival film that stands out; 97 minutes of gripping tension with almost zero dialogue, just pure willpower and endurance. You don't come across a survival story like this every day. (15/02/2021)