🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Joe Penna
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Survival
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (74k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dude stranded in the Arctic adopts a sick lady and then they both take a scenic tour that almost ends with hypothermia, but plot twist, they are saved!
🍿 Arctic: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Stranded in the Arctic
Overgård, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is a pilot stranded in the Arctic after his plane crashes. He establishes a routine for survival, including fishing, signaling for help, and rationing his limited supplies. He marks ‘SOS’ in the snow near his plane, and maintains a graveyard for a presumed deceased passenger from his original flight. The film opens with his established routine already in place, showing his resourcefulness and resilience in the face of extreme adversity.

The Helicopter Crash
Overgård’s routine is disrupted when a rescue helicopter attempts to reach him but crashes during a storm. The pilot is killed, but a young woman survives, though severely injured. Overgård takes on the responsibility of caring for her, stapling her wound and providing shelter. This event shifts the film from a story of individual survival to one of shared responsibility and human connection. He finds a map and decides to venture out to a potential safe haven marked on it.

The Treacherous Journey
With the woman unable to walk, Overgård constructs a makeshift sled and begins a perilous journey across the Arctic landscape, battling harsh weather, hunger, and exhaustion. He faces several setbacks, including navigating steep terrain and encountering a polar bear. His determination to save the woman pushes him to his physical and mental limits, testing his resolve and forcing him to make difficult decisions.

Near Death
Overgård’s journey takes a turn when he falls into a crevasse and is trapped, injuring his leg. He manages to escape, but is further weakened. After assuming the woman has died, he leaves her, only to return upon realizing she is still alive. His injured leg and diminishing supplies make their situation increasingly dire.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Overgård (Mads Mikkelsen): A resourceful and determined pilot stranded in the Arctic, fighting for survival and showing compassion after a rescue attempt goes wrong.
- Young Woman (Maria Thelma Smáradóttir): The injured and unconscious woman rescued from a crashed helicopter, who becomes Overgård’s responsibility and a symbol of his humanity.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Overgård: “It’s arctic trout… with noodles.” – Overgård says this while offering the injured woman the only food he has, highlighting his resourcefulness and care.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $2,410,795
- Worldwide Gross: $4,165,776
💥 Arctic Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, ‘Arctic’ hit me hard! Seeing Mads Mikkelsen out there, battling the cold and his own despair, was intense. I felt every ache, every moment of hope, and every crushing setback. The scene where he falls into the crevasse and struggles to free himself? I was holding my breath! It’s a simple story, but it’s so effective in showing the will to survive. I really connected with his character and the choices he made. Plus, Iceland looks absolutely gorgeous, even when it’s trying to kill you. Definitely a movie that will stay with me for a while. This film makes you appreciate the beauty of the icy landscapes. The cinematography work was very thorough, especially since they were shooting while the snow was melting.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of survival thrillers”
- “Admirers of Mads Mikkelsen’s acting”
- “Viewers who appreciate minimalist storytelling”
- “Those interested in films that explore themes of human resilience”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense survival situations”
- “Some violence (animal attack)”
- “Brief graphic injury detail”
- “Thematic elements of life-threatening situations”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Arctic is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling. Mikkelsen’s performance transcends the lack of dialogue, conveying a range of emotions with just his eyes and physicality. The stark, beautiful landscapes of Iceland serve as both a backdrop and a character in this gripping survival tale.
- Variety: “Joe Penna’s ‘Arctic’ is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. While the plot is simple, the execution is masterful, with stunning cinematography and a haunting score that elevates the film beyond a typical survival drama. Mikkelsen’s presence is captivating.
- IGN: “Arctic offers a raw and visceral experience, putting the audience directly into the harsh reality of survival. While it may lack some emotional depth and backstory, Mads Mikkelsen’s performance is undeniably powerful, and the film’s stark realism makes it a compelling watch.
Audience Reactions
Mads Mikkelsen’s performance is a tour-de-force, carrying the film with minimal dialogue and maximum impact.: Viewers consistently praise Mikkelsen’s acting, the stunning visuals, and the film’s ability to create a sense of tension and immersion.
The stark, unforgiving beauty of the Arctic landscape is both captivating and terrifying.: Many viewers loved the raw, realistic portrayal of survival against the elements.
Overall Consensus: ‘Arctic’ is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping survival drama, carried by Mads Mikkelsen’s powerful performance. While some find the plot simple, most agree that the film’s realism and tension make it a worthwhile watch.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Joe Penna is known for his YouTube channel ‘MysteryGuitarMan’ before making his feature film debut with Arctic.”
- “The film was shot on location in Iceland, enduring harsh weather conditions to enhance realism.”
- “Mads Mikkelsen’s performance required minimal dialogue, relying heavily on physical acting and facial expressions to convey emotion.”
🖥️ How to Watch Arctic?
Arctic is currently available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may need a subscription or can rent/purchase the movie. Check local listings for availability on other streaming services. It is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray through major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy. Keep an eye out for special features and behind-the-scenes content with physical releases.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Arctic, you might like these similar films:
- All Is Lost (2013): Features a lone individual battling the elements with minimal dialogue, focusing on survival against the odds.
- The Grey (2011): A group of men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness must survive against the harsh environment and a pack of wolves, sharing the theme of man versus nature.
- 127 Hours (2010): Depicts the extreme survival story of a man trapped in a canyon, emphasizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
🛒 Arctic Related Products
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: A must-have for any survival kit, the LifeStraw filters water from streams and lakes, removing bacteria and parasites to ensure safe drinking water in emergency situations. Essential for anyone inspired by Overgård’s resourcefulness.
- Columbia Men’s Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange Jacket: Stay warm and protected from the elements with this versatile 3-in-1 jacket. Perfect for cold weather adventures, it features a waterproof outer shell and a cozy fleece liner that can be worn separately or together. Stay warm like Mads Mikkelsen in the Artic.
- Emergency Survival Kit 142 Pcs: Fully stocked with essential supplies for survival, including a first aid kit, emergency blanket, fire starter, multi-tool, and more. Be prepared for any situation, just like Overgård.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator: Stay connected even when off-grid with this compact satellite communicator. Send and receive messages, track your location, and trigger an SOS in case of emergency. Modern technology that could have changed Overgård’s fate.
🎧 Soundtrack
Arctic features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Arctic Main Theme” – performed by Joseph Trapanese
- “The Crash” – performed by Joseph Trapanese
- “Journey” – performed by Joseph Trapanese
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Arctic was primarily filmed in Iceland, utilizing its stark and unforgiving landscapes to create an authentic and visually stunning portrayal of the Arctic environment.
No, Arctic is a fictional story. While the film portrays realistic survival scenarios, it is not based on a specific real-life event.
Arctic explores themes of survival, human connection, and the importance of selflessness in the face of extreme adversity. It highlights the strength of the human spirit and the will to persevere, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The lack of dialogue emphasizes the isolation and the raw struggle for survival. The filmmakers chose to focus on Mads Mikkelsen’s physical performance and the visual storytelling to convey the character’s emotions and experiences, creating a more immersive and visceral experience for the viewer.
🔥 Bonus Content
Arctic 2018 Movie Review/Plot in Hindi & Urdu
Ever wondered what ‘Arctic’ is *really* about? This review breaks down the whole plot in Hindi & Urdu, and honestly, after watching it, I understood the movie on a whole new level. Definitely worth checking out if you want the full picture!
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