Against the Ice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two dudes go for a walk in Greenland to prove it’s just one big island, then spend two years waiting for their Uber.

🍿 Against the Ice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Alabama Expedition and a Disputed Claim

In 1909, Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen leads Denmark’s Alabama Expedition to Greenland. Their mission: to disprove the United States’ claim to North Eastern Greenland. The U.S. argues that Greenland is split into two islands by a channel, thus justifying their claim. Mikkelsen and his inexperienced crew member, Iver Iversen, set out on a dangerous sled journey across the icy landscape, leaving the rest of the crew behind with the ship.

Proving Greenland is One Island

Mikkelsen and Iversen successfully find proof that Greenland is indeed a single island. This discovery nullifies the United States’ claim. However, their return journey to the ship proves far more arduous than anticipated. They face extreme conditions, including hunger, fatigue, and a harrowing polar bear attack. These challenges test their physical and mental limits as they struggle to survive in the unforgiving Arctic environment.

Stranded and Alone

Upon finally reaching the ship, Mikkelsen and Iversen discover it crushed by the ice and the camp abandoned. The rest of the crew presumed them dead and returned home, leaving them stranded. Their survival now depends on their resourcefulness and ability to endure the harsh Greenland winter. They are forced to adapt and find ways to signal for rescue while battling starvation and the psychological effects of isolation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ejnar Mikkelsen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau): The determined Danish captain who leads a perilous expedition to claim Greenland for Denmark.
• Iver Iversen (Joe Cole): The inexperienced mechanic who volunteers to accompany Mikkelsen on his dangerous Greenland expedition.
• Naja (Heida Reed): Ejnar’s love interest, who appears in his hallucinations during his long stay in Greenland.
• Neergaard (Charles Dance): The Minister who is initially hesitant to fund a rescue mission for Mikkelsen and Iversen.
• Jörgensen (Gísli Örn Garðarsson): A crew member who initially accompanies Ejnar but is later left behind due to frostbite and eventually orchestrates the rescue mission.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Neergaard: “Remember the single most important task for an explorer. When you travel into unknown lands to discover new parts of the global, it is to ensure the records of your discoveries are delivered back safe and sound, with or without you. Otherwise it is all in vain.” – Neergaard outlines the crucial importance of documenting and returning with the findings of any expedition, even at the cost of personal safety.
• Ejnar Mikkelsen: “We’re explorers. It’s what we do.” – Spoken with quiet resolve by Mikkelsen, encapsulating their dedication.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Against the Ice Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie. The desolate landscapes and the struggle for survival were mesmerizing. The scenes with the polar bear and the dwindling supplies kept me on the edge of my seat. I especially liked how the film showed the relationship between the two men and the psychological impact of the isolation. It’s a gripping story that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of survival stories”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate movies with stunning scenery”
  • “Anyone fascinated by Arctic exploration”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scenes of animal death (dogs)”
  • “Intense survival situations”
  • “Brief violence (polar bear attack)”
  • “Thematic elements of starvation and isolation”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmCritic: “A stark and visually stunning survival tale. While the pacing can be glacial (pun intended), the performances of Coster-Waldau and Cole are captivating. The film excels in depicting the psychological toll of isolation, even if it occasionally sacrifices narrative momentum.
• HistoricalFilmFan: “Against the Ice is based on a true story and offers a sobering look at early 20th-century Arctic exploration. The film is strong on atmosphere but could have used more dramatic tension. The historical accuracy is commendable, but the overall impact is somewhat muted.

Audience Reactions

The stunning cinematography made the harsh Greenland environment feel both beautiful and terrifying.: Viewers consistently praised the realistic portrayal of the explorers’ struggle and the movie’s overall beauty.

The ending, while bittersweet, provided a satisfying resolution to the characters’ ordeal.: Many fans appreciated how the movie did not rely on typical Hollywood tropes and focused on the internal struggles of the characters.

Overall Consensus: A visually compelling and historically grounded survival story, though some find the pacing slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Nikolaj Coster-Waldau not only starred in the film but also co-wrote the screenplay, making it a passion project for him.”
• “Filming took place on location on glaciers in Iceland and Greenland to minimize the use of CGI and enhance the authenticity of the harsh environment.”
• “Joe Cole was warned about the difficult conditions during filming, which were deliberately kept as uncomfortable as possible to reflect the reality of the explorers’ experience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Against the Ice?

Against the Ice is currently available to stream on Netflix. As a Netflix original, it is exclusively available on their platform. Check local listings for potential future availability on other streaming services or for digital purchase options on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Against the Ice, you might like these similar films:

• The Revenant (2015): Features a harrowing survival story in a brutal, unforgiving wilderness, with a focus on the protagonist’s resilience against extreme conditions and near-death experiences.
• Arctic (2018): Another survival drama set in the Arctic, focusing on one man’s struggle to stay alive after a plane crash, sharing similar themes of isolation and resourcefulness.
• The North Water (2021): Explores themes of survival, morality, and the harsh realities of Arctic exploration in the 19th century, with complex characters and a bleak, unforgiving setting.

🛒 Against the Ice Related Products

• Two Against The Ice: The original memoir by Ejnar Mikkelsen, recounting his harrowing experiences in Greenland. A must-read for fans who want a deeper dive into the true story behind the film.
• LEGO Art Map: Use LEGO tiles to create a replica of our world. Mark the expedition route. Measures over 25.5 in. (65 cm) high and 40.5 in. (104 cm) wide.
• Survival Gear Kit: Be prepared for any outdoor adventure with a comprehensive survival kit, including a compass, first-aid supplies, fire starter, and emergency shelter.

🎧 Soundtrack

Against the Ice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Against the Ice – Main Theme” – performed by Volker Bertelmann (Hauschka)
• “The Search Begins” – performed by Volker Bertelmann (Hauschka)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Against the Ice reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know if ‘Against the Ice’ is worth your time? Check out Mark Kermode’s insightful review! He always has interesting takes, and I personally find his opinion pretty reliable.

✨ Rate