“Arctic” (2018) is a survival drama film directed by Joe Penna in his feature film debut. The movie stars Mads Mikkelsen in a riveting and almost solitary performance as Overgård, a man stranded in the Arctic after a plane crash.

The story revolves around Overgård’s struggle to survive in the harsh, frozen wilderness. He has established a routine and a makeshift camp to endure the extreme conditions. His daily life consists of fishing, maintaining an SOS signal, and hoping for rescue. The film opens with Overgård managing his survival in the Arctic’s brutal environment, showcasing his resourcefulness and resilience.
The plot takes a significant turn when a helicopter attempts to rescue him but crashes, leaving another survivor, a young woman (played by Maria Thelma Smáradóttir), critically injured. Overgård now faces a moral dilemma: stay at his relatively secure campsite or embark on a perilous journey to seek help for the injured woman.

“Arctic” is noted for its minimalistic approach, focusing on the raw and intense struggle for survival against nature’s unforgiving forces. Mads Mikkelsen’s powerful performance, combined with stunning cinematography capturing the stark beauty and danger of the Arctic landscape, creates a gripping and emotional narrative. The film explores themes of endurance, hope, and the human spirit’s unyielding will to survive in the face of overwhelming odds.