Based on actual events, a fisherman tries to survive in the freezing ocean after his boat capsizes off the south coast of Iceland.
The Deep is a spare and reasonably compelling drama for the first hour, mainly thanks to Ólafsson’s star-making turn.
As a portrait of a lifestyle alien to many and the extraordinary resourcefulness of a very simple man, The Deep provides keen insight and empathy.
A gripping journey through stormy waters and survivalist guilt, with some surprising black humour.
Either keep faith in it as a drama, or make a documentary. Muddling the two sells the tale short.
It's an intriguing drama, though this extraordinary story might have been better served by a semi-dramatised documentary, in the style of Kevin Macdonald's Touching the Void.
Back on home turf, Contraband director Kormákur has made a suitably dramatic recreation of a remarkable episode.
What ultimately emerges is a low-key study of the faith, superstition, luck and tragedy that binds together communities living in extreme environments.
The result is a quietly inspirational, beautifully made drama that also seems to reflect some of the Icelandic character and a whole nation’s ability to survive testing times.
It's a gripping, downbeat film that poses and then (with help from British naval researchers) answers the question of his seemingly miraculous survival: a bit of willpower and a lot of blubber.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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