Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Cole team up to explore Greenland in this interesting, but ultimately disappointing, Netflix release...
Director: Peter Flinth
Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Joe Cole, Heida Reed
Running time: 102 minutes
Based on a true story, this icy adventure epic, beginning in 1909, centres around two Danish explorers setting out on a life-or-death mission to put unexplored northern Greenland on the map.
Against the Ice follows Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), an experienced adventurer who’s dedicated his life to exploration, and Iver Iverson (Joe Cole), the happy-go-lucky, ever-optimistic mechanic who is the only member of the crew who volunteers to accompany Mikkelsen on the trip.
The dynamic between the two main characters works well, for the most part; the Captain is reserved, stubborn and headstrong, a lone ranger of sorts, whereas his companion is very talkative and upbeat, if at times a little naive. However, there’s never really any strong sense of camaraderie between the two, which eventually makes the relationship feel a little strained and reluctant to blossom. I kind of wish there were more heart-to-heart moments to really show the vulnerability of the characters.
I’d like to give a special shout out to the real stars of the film, though - the huskies. Hard-working, loyal, not to mention super cute
There are action scenes which have very little build-up or tension. For example, when their supplies are fast depleting and hunger is setting in, there’s a sequence that puts one of the main characters in serious danger. What feels like a disastrous moment, which should have significant attention paid to it, is over and done with in sixty seconds - before any real tension can be built. It comes across as rushed, and lacks any real care.
It’s a shame that moments like this happen so quickly, as the accompanying music is amazing and wouldn’t feel out of place in an episode of Game Of Thrones or a Pirates Of The Caribbean movie. Another highlight is the stunning scenery. It’s absolutely breathtaking and looks like something out of a David Attenborough documentary. I would love to see a behind-the-scenes video detailing how they managed to film it. Honestly, I was cold just watching.
Yet overall, while this is a decent film with several positives, there are certainly better adventure movies out there. The acting is solid, but a strong cast feels underserved by weak writing - which is a shame, as this is a really incredible story.
I’d like to give a special shout out to the real stars of the film, though - the huskies. Hard-working, loyal, not to mention super cute. I expect awards galore.
Did you know? Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's wife, Nukâka, is from Greenland.
Against the Ice is now available on Netflix
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