A polar station on a desolate island in the Arctic Ocean. Sergei, a seasoned meteorologist, and Pavel, a recent college graduate, are spending months in complete isolation on the once strategic research base. Pavel receives an important radio message and is still trying to find the right moment to tell Sergei, when fear, lies and suspicions start poisoning the atmosphere...
With strong turns from its leads, this Russian drama will bury its way into your subconcious. Intense.
The polar landscapes and fluctuating weather are superbly shot, while there are compelling turns from the two actors, who bravely perform their own stunts.
A terrific film.
It proceeds at a dour and Russian kind of pace, mildly intriguing without ever cranking up the pressure to become compelling.
An exquisitely composed tale marred by mainstream aspirations.
There’s an unpredictable edge to the raw psychology, but the wrong-footing quality of the film is what makes it so compellingly strange, leaving us lost and without a compass in a surrogate father-son relationship that’s just gone haywire.
A gripping, involving and wonderfully acted piece of work.
A compelling psychological drama as well as a nail-biting survival yarn.
It has a pared down quality that invites, indeed virtually compels, the viewer to see it as some kind of allegory.
The unravelling of trust and compassion is not always convincing but director Alexsei Popogrebsky’s sense of place and pace ensures that it remains thoroughly compelling.
...this mildly involving allegorical trudge.
Though gripping for large stretches, the lack of forthcoming information – especially with regards to Pavel – proves more frustrating than enigmatic, with the tension dissipating at crucial moments.
Meteorologist Dr Liz Bentley explains why her professional and personal curiosity are piqued by this excellent film.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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