Arctic (2018) is a tense survival thriller directed by Joe Penna, starring Mads Mikkelsen. The film is a gripping exploration of human endurance and the will to survive in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth—the Arctic.

The story follows Overgård (Mads Mikkelsen), a man stranded in the Arctic after a plane crash. With no means of communication or transportation, he has been surviving on his own in the harsh, frozen landscape for an unspecified amount of time. The film opens with Overgård living a routine existence, using his resourcefulness to fish, build shelter, and survive day by day, all while coping with the mental and physical toll of isolation. His existence is solitary, and his survival relies on small but crucial decisions about food, shelter, and warmth.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Overgård discovers a critically injured woman (Maria Thelma Smáradóttir) after a storm. She has sustained serious wounds, and Overgård is faced with a choice: stay and try to nurse her back to health, or leave in search of help. The realization that both of their lives are at risk drives him to make the difficult decision to leave their makeshift camp and attempt a perilous journey to safety, through the vast and unrelenting wilderness. With no clear sense of direction and limited resources, the journey becomes a test of physical and emotional strength.

Arctic is an intense, slow-burn thriller that thrives on its minimalist approach. The film focuses on the raw human experience of survival, relying heavily on Mikkelsen’s nuanced performance. His portrayal of Overgård, a man whose stoicism masks his inner turmoil and desperation, is both compelling and deeply human. The sparse dialogue and haunting landscape add to the isolation and tension, with the natural environment playing a pivotal role in the narrative, reflecting the harsh realities of survival.