Arctic Void

A movie should fulfill it's promise. The script, acting, direction, lighting, and photography are better than most foreign films, and even the sound holds together. Americans (myself included) prefer more closure than the ending provides. And I'm still unsure whether or not I understand the ending. But the truth is that for a Saturday afternoon on a cold winter day, it was beautiful to look at, held attention, better crafted, and far, far, better edited than much higher budget productions. The credits state that it was filmed with 16 people in 16 days and there are some interesting names in the 'Special Thanks' credits that are encouraging, and might explain that success. So IMO the movie fulfills its promise even if the crew didn't carry the story to a comforting end.

There are a couple decent actors here, the scenery is spectacular, and the concept has real potential. Unfortunately, the direction is film student amateur, one of the lead actors has a non-existent range of emotion, and the writer lost the plot after setting it up. The net result is a dry slog through an abandoned mining town while no one, either on screen or audience, knows or cares what is going on.

Three stars for the acting of two of the three survivors, for the plot setup, and for the engaging setting. No stars for what happens after the 'mystery' is introduced. You can turn the movie off at any point once they reach the island and you won't miss a thing.

Excellent slow buildup, very believable. Second half all got a bit dull and the ending sadly didn't live up to the early promise of the film. Splendid scenery, but the CGI polar bear left a bit to be desired.

This movie wasn't as bad as some people say. A little bit slow but still interesting and entertaining for the most part, at least the first 3 quarters of the movie. But the ending was very disappointing even though one could easily guess it at some point in the movie.

Would I recommend it? Yes but don't expect too much.

Three writers and not one could come up with an actual ending? What's worse, is that this film could've so easily been epic. It had excellent directing, amazing cinematography, beautiful landscapes and settings, spot on score, and the cast and performances were great. For a low budget indie film, this can school even some experienced filmmakers on how to create the perfect suspense and environment for its genre. Even the writing was great until about the final act. There were no plot holes or technical issues, then the ending just got sloppy and boring. Seeing the little special effects with the animals brings the tension and suspense level right up, and you know it's building up to something huge, and then, boom!, a total let down. Budget can't be the excuse, because imagination is free. It's seems more like the writers got bored and/or lazy. Such an easy fix and what a shame. Sadly, it's only a 7/10 from me, all going to the first three-quarters of what was almost a perfect film, and it could've easily been more, if there was a little more effort.