A Concerning Story of Endurance, Loneliness, and the Strength of Humans
Under the direction of Peter Flinth, Against the Ice is a memoir from Ejnar Mikkelsen regarding a venture he undertook titled Two Against the Ice. The film chronicles a drama of surviving in the elements of Greenland and is available for streaming on Netflix. It shows the venture of Danish explorers seeking to procure Greenland for Denmark and the lengths to which they have to go to achieve that.
Against the Ice, like many surviving dramas, focuses on not only the struggle with nature, but also the spirit of humans. The main characters are Captain Eajan Mikkelsen who is played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, alongside Iver Iversen who is a mechanic played by Joe Cole. Together they seek to retrieve evidence that would prove Greenland is an uncontested piece of land and not a Dutch territory, as claimed by the United States.
What follows is a painfully tedious ordeal of survival where the men suffer periods of starvation, frostbite, profound fatigue, and the enduring madness that follows after far too much solitude. While they attempt to cling to the little hope they have within a world aimed to make them disappear, their friendship is put to the test, their grip on realism grows feeble, and the distinction between illusion and reality becomes vague. The film starts in year 1909 depicting a scene of Alabama Expedition in the shores of Mikkelsen third greenland voyage. During this expedition, he served as the captain where he compiled one of the most extensive collection of the Arctic records defining further exploration of the regions of United States land claims. Recovering these documents are critical to claiming ownership of Denmark but a harsh journey across the globe ice covered expanse is a prerequisite to collect them. The treacherous journey further complicates problems as no member of his crew is willing to take that risk and the only willing soul is one who does not possess extensive experience in these forming regions.
Against all odds, Mikkelsen and Iversen embark into the icy wilderness with little to no help. Their expedition is frantic and arduous; it is filled with subzero blizzard conditions, running out supplies, being attacked by polar bears, and more. Against all wishes, these men find the records which have been lost for centuries and believe that Greenland is one`, solid island. Unfortunately, their conflict is far from over as when they travel back to base camp, they realize their ship, The Alabama, has been deserted, making them completely isolated.
Weeks meld into months, months into years; staying alive shifts into a mental battle. Isolation eats at everything that defines them, creating a fantasy world that is nothing but illusions. With their weak and battered bodies, spirit dwindling, Coster-Waldau and Coster must figure out a way not just to combat the perishing ice, but the still crumbling psyche.
Undefined primary characters and the rest of the cast
Nikolaj Coster – Waldau as Ejnar Mikkelsen – one of the few leaders that held command on board, he is obsessed with capturing the Arctic evergreen in the continuous unending cold zone. Denmark’s claim on Greenland strengthens his goals, but even he knows the cost of sanity stretched far beyond the mission.
Joe Cole as Iver Iversen – A rookie mechanic throughout his life, his new job with the polar expedition is a greater challenge than he has ever faced. Initially perceived as a burden, Iversen turns out to be a remarkable asset. With his stellar improv skills and an unyielding will to live, he makes the most of even the most desperate situations. His arc goes from being a completely lost recruit to a cynical, street smart survivor.
Charles Dance as Neergaard – A government agent who does not believe in Mikkelsen’s undertaking is a skeptic. The baffling bureaucracy heads who appear to have no purpose serve to cast further doubt upon the need for such a difficult and hazardous trek.
Heida Reed as Naja – A character who appears in Mikkleson’s hallucinations is the manifestation of this longing as well as the home he desperately wants to go back. A woman from Mikkelsen’s past, she serves not just as a nostalgic figure, but reflects the bottled shards of his insane reality.
Themes and Symbolism
The Evergreen Fight Man vs Nature
The Arctic is a setting, a character, and an antagonist all at once. Its endless voids, bone-chilling temperatures, and volatility display a phenomenal power that goes beyond the control of humankind. Wars waged against Nature’s different domains never seem to end, and underlines how feeble humans are in relation to the magnificence of nature.
Isolation and Psychological Strain
With time, Mikkelsen and Iversen’s reality becomes evermore warped. Their hallucinations and paranoia run deep. The film illustrates the many long term impacts of solitude as seen in historical accounts of explorers succumbing to Arctic madness.
Companionship As A Lifeline
The bond between Mikkelsen and Iversen’s character is essential to the film’s core. With no civilization around, their connection becomes their only tie to humanity. The relationship grows beyond follower and leader into a deep, unbreakable connection crafted by survival.
Historical Legacy and National Identity
Survival is not the only aspect to the mission, it also encompasses legacy. Mikkelsen is aware of his country’s Greenland, for America is ready to claim, if he fails. As such, he is motivated. The film depicts the geopolitical significance of Arctic exploration along with the Auroral sacrifices done for national pride.
Survival and Adventure Elements
The movie shows the harsh reality of surviving in the Arctic through starvation, frostbites, and the risk of dying from hypothermia.
Polar Bear Attack – One of the most painful attacks is the one where a polar bear is brutally fought, giving the audience a view of the frightening aspects of Earth’s nature.
Hallucinations and Mental Deterioration – As time progresses, both of them progressively become more and more delusional and their mental state more fragile in a way that is deeply disturbing psychologically.
Desperation and Hope – Hope coming after great despair makes every small achievement seem desirable and therefore every victory feels like a meaningful achievement.
Visual and Technical Craftsmanship Cinoematography & Atmosphere Greenland’s frozen open lands have the most astounding cinematographic scenery. The icy shell surrounding the land has an element of beauty alongside it being menacing which increases the explorers’ lack of self worth in juxtaposition to the wilderness.
Sound Design The sound in this film is unique from other films, for instance, the howling of the wind and the super unnatural noises within the Arctic along with the sound of ice freezing captures the viewers in a different environment.
Minimalist Score The emotional side and feelings of the film alongside the characters’ conflict is amplified by skeletal, melancholic music underscoring.
Critical Reception and Impact Positive Aspects: Strong Performances – The performance of Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is captivating for how the balance of strength and fragility is portrayed, Iversen was played extremely well by Joe Cole.
Atmospheric Tension – The film adeptly constructs tension, giving the audience a feeling of the passage of time as well as the Arctic’s somber vacuum.
Historical Authenticity – The film is a dramatization but captures the essence of Mikkelsen’s memoirs making it a striking retelling of an expedition that is not well known.
Criticism:
Slow Pacing – The meditative pacing of the film might feel too slow for audiences who prefer action-filled survival thrillers.
Lack of External Conflict – Psychological elements, unlike action movies, drive the core tension of the film which may not sit well with many viewers.
Final Thoughts
Against the Ice is a wonderfully crafted survival drama that evokes raw emotions, embodying the essence of humanity. It is not strictly an Arctic exploration film; it also serves as deep reflection on issues regarding friendship, solitude, and the effort needed to retain one’s sanity in a world that tries to obliterate every form of life.
The film is a must-watch for the fans of The Revenant (2015), Everest (2015), or Arctic (2018). Even though the movie has a slow build, its captivating nature makes the viewer think about it long after the credits come on. Its pacing may test some viewers’ patience, but for those who adore character-based survival films, Against the Ice will be a hauntingly unforgettable experience.