General Overview & Historical Context
“Against the Ice,” released in 2022, is a survival drama directed by Peter Flinth, which focuses on an expedition into the Arctic region in the early 20th century. The drama stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Cole, where the former also acted as the producer for the film. “Against the Ice” demonstrates the lengths to which Mikkelsen went to prove his claim that Northeast Greenland was not an island, but controlled territory of Denmark.
The film is motivated by the memoir Two Against the Ice written by Danish Explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen. The film showcases Mikkelsen’s denial of American claims on territory Greenland by demonstrating his cold and barren expedition filled with danger and hardship.
“Against the Ice,” with its breathtaking scenery and Icelandic backdrops, portrays Mikkelsen’s expedition to retrieve previously failed expedition records while simultaneously performing elaborate displays of cinematic geography rather than using green screens.
Summarizing Plots & Storylines
The film revolves around the Danish Arctic expedition in 1909, where Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen is in charge. The Denmark Expedition is still famous for having a devastating failure and therefore contains records that are pivotal to proving that Greenland as a whole is a singular land mass. With the American government laying territorial claims on parts of Greenland and the northeast region being called a separate territory, the film narrates Cold War tensions through the means of an elaborative and frosty expedition.
After the first team members sustain injuries and frostbite, Mikkelsen opts to complete the journey with only one companion—a novice but eager mechanic named Iver Iversen. The two of them endure the unrelenting cold, extreme fatigue, limited supplies, and both physical and mental strain. Even worse, they lose sled dogs, encounter unending polar bear attacks, and witness the destructive outcomes of solitude.
These records, as well as the maps containing the information from the previous expeditions, are placed in a secluded pile. This further conclusively supports Denmark’s claim disputing Greenland’s singularity as an island. However, the journey back is just as dangerous. Once they return to their base on Shannon Island, they discover their ship ‘Alabama’ had been deserted by the crew, leaving the two men stranded with nothing but a meager makeshift tent and no supplies.
Along with Iversen, Mikkelsen loses control over their mental stability as the years roll by causing them both to physically weaken and deteriorate. Christmas and the New Year become indistinguishable and time an unchanging illusion. Mikkelsen begins visualizing his fiancée, while Iversen finds himself deep in conversation with his grandfather. The ultimate breakdown occurs when this strain pushes them towards a life-threatening violent culmination together. Their mental strength is tested, and they are driven to the edge.
In 1912, a Norwegian sealed ship finally rescued the two men after almost three years of isolation. Mikkelsen is welcomed back as a national hero and has since been regarded as authoritative figure that cemented Denmark’s governance of Greenland. He then goes on to marry his longtime fiancée Naja. Iversen, on the other hand, doesn’t return to the Arctic ever again as he is permanently transformed by the experience.
Main Cast and Characters
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Ejnar Mikkelsen: A resolute leader driven by duty and national pride. His portrayal of the character exhibits a blend of stoicism and emotional fragility which deepens as the story progresses.
Joe Cole as Iver Iversen: Portrayed as naïve and lacking experience at the beginning Iversen undergoes immense transformation throughout the course of the film, emerging as an incredibly brave and resourceful individual. He plays the role with both innocence and resilience.
Heida Reed as Naja Holm: Mikkelsen’s fiancée who conjures imagined presence aids him during the toughest parts of his enduring solitude.
Charles Dance as Danish Minister Neergaard: Represents the political stakes of the mission and highlights the bureaucratic tension concerning Arctic exploration.
Cinematography and Production Design
The film’s imagery captures both the breathtaking and desolate quiet of the Arctic through aerial shots as well as close-up cinematography. Minimal digital effects were used in the film; instead, real locations that enhanced the authenticity of the survival experience were used. The snow-covered landscapes serve a dual purpose: they are stunning yet unfriendly, mirroring nature’s disregard for human ambition.
The production team encountered real challenges due to low temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and recording in cold environments. The physical tolls of the shoot were exemplified by Coster-Waldau, who suffered a mild concussion during an intense scene with a polar bear.
Themes and Analysis
Man vs. Nature: At its heart, Against the Ice is a tale of survival. The Arctic landscape emerges as the ultimate antagonist with its blizzards, wildlife, and isolation, serving as an unfeeling backdrop.
Friendship and Trust: Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the story is Mikkelsen and Iversen’s relationship. Their bond showcases one’s human instinct to reach out and be bonded to someone even when faced with seemingly insurmountable adversity.
Psychological Resilience and Collapse: The combination of physical hardships and extreme isolation wear down the man’s mental health. The balance between endurance and breakdown is paper thin, which is reflected through the hallucinations and near-violent behavior.
Patriotism and Legacy: Mikkelsen’s undertaking is driven by a sense of obligation—to himself, his crew, and his nation. His achievements do not remain personal; they contribute to national identity and reshape geopolitical territories.
The Cost of Exploration: The film simultaneously highlights Mikkelsen’s heroism while also exploring the introspective and ethical costs of ambition. The men may return alive, but Iversen’s silence about never returning speaks volumes about profound trauma.
Critical Reception
Against the Ice received a lukewarm response from critics. While its striking performances, stunning visuals, and emotional depth received acclaim, the film’s pacing and lack of tension in the second act drew criticism. Action-driven viewers may find the film slow; however, those attuned to psychological character studies are likely to appreciate the film’s depth.
Response to the film was largely positive, particularly concerning the authenticity and emotional impact of the story. Praise for Coster-Waldau was abundant for his dual role as the lead actor and co-writer, especially with his commitment to telling the story with as little embellishment as possible.
Conclusion
Against the Ice is a stark, yet haunting depiction of two men stranded in a merciless wilderness. The film provides an analysis on themes such as endurance and loyalty while simultaneously providing a deep character study and a tribute to resilience, going beyond the typical survival narrative.
Unlike the conventional action-packed thrillers, this film offers a riveting emotional experience that is enhanced by its authentic historical context and stunning visuals, solidifying its place in the survival cinema genre. Anyone interested in authentic tales of extraordinary human endurance and the triumph of the human spirit will both find sobering inspiration in this film.
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