Polaris

This is a really well made movie with beautiful scenery and skilled direction. However, if you like movies to do all the thinking for you, it's probably not for you.

The story blends sci-fi, folklore spirituality and metaphor which will challenge a lot of people, but reminds me of the old 70's style mind benders like Zardoz and THX 1138. A lot of Mad Max vibes as well.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where survivors have regressed socially, but are still surrounded with remnants of past advanced civilisation. The heroine has spiritual powers connected to nature and follows a path to her destiny which brings her into contact with good and bad survivors.

Approach it as a tribal folk tale and you will probably enjoy it. But if you expect a modern paint-by-numbers Hollywood movie, you will be disappointed.

I am not writting reviews very often (ok maybe it's my first one), but because the movie has such a bad one, I had to jump on my keyboard and give it the respect it deserves.

I am part of these people saying "nowadays all movies are the same, just a copy of a copy of a copy" yet I can still enjoy blockbusters, but not having my mind blew, if you follow me.

But that movie is the most original I have seen in long long time, one that is not affraid to go out of the paved roads and that's what give it that refreshing taste.

Taking place in a futuristic polar wastelands, Sumi (the main character) is babling some unknown languages and interract only occasionally with other characters and except for a very short narrative at the beginning, at the middle and finally at the end of the movie, there is no understandable speech, sounds like a strange realisator's choice right?

Yet you manage to understand what's up and feel it all, thanks to a good casting, it makes the whole atmosphere almost tangible.

Even if the plot itself is quite thin (Sumi is following a purple star in the sky, like the 3 wise kings going after Jesus), it's mystical enough to pick your curiosity just right and keep you entertained without being able to guess the end (even if you torture me I won't reveal it).

Finally I want to talk about the last unusual element that I really enjoyed, at the very beginning the narrative sounds very childish, almost candide like a soft fairy tale, but no longer after you realise that it's a violent world we are evolving in, these two aspects will continue to oppose each other until the end and somehow create a consistent balance like a yin/yang.

Up to this point you probably understood how much I enjoyed that experience and that I highly recommend it, if I picked your curiosity with the above lines, please make yourself a favor, switch your phone off and watch that movie.

The boldness and originality of vision blew me away. This is movie-magic... a fantastical ride that propels the imagination. For me the film's emphasis on empathy (yes, even with the bloodshed) intuition, and connection with Nature, make it standout. I think the filmmaker created an original female centred story world and put characters and story themes on screen that feel wildly relevant and unique. I get the "Mad Max" reference, but it also reminds me of a French film, "The Bear" (1980s) and the Japanese anime "Princess Mononoke". Can't wait to see what this team does next... I'm hoping for a sequel and/or a prequel...

Overall summary: This movie takes on more the role of a fantasy folk tale than post apocalyptic sci fi. Be warned ahead of time the plot will make no sense whatsoever.

This film consists of excellent cinematography in what was likely one of the most uncomfortably cold film "sets" ever devised: solid snow, all the time. One has to wonder how the actors survived, much less the fictional characters.

The actors do a good job, considering what little "plot" they had to work with. The cinematography was good... but that does not of itself make a good movie.

What this movie completely lacks is any semblance of comprehensible story whatsoever, and throws in a considerable amount of blood and gore as topping. Agreed it is a movie about survival: kill or be killed. But the cause and need for such is completely invalidated by a ton of questions unanswered, and an ending that makes absolutely. No. Sense. Whatsoever. Why trudge through that excessive gore for no purpose or any semblance of resolution?

Non-spoiler questions: How was the girl raised by a polar bear? Where did she get her tailor-made fur clothing? (Is the polar bear a master seamstress?) Why was an old woman supplying diesel fuel out of a barrel in the middle of nowhere... and where did she get it to start with? Why in the world did the old woman... never mind. The list goes on and on.

The main question, which goes completely unanswered, is "What / why / where / whattheblazes is Polaris and how does it figure into all this nonsense?" If you believe you will be able to watch this film and figure out the answer to that question, you will be sorely disappointed.

If you decide to give this one a skip, you may be confident you won't miss anything special. I have a feeling the majority of positive reviews are plants from staff and family. While the main actress and her two friends do an admirable job of portraying their parts, those parts go nowhere.

I have to consider the few 9 and 10 star ratings a sham. This is another one of those, "Let the audience make of it what they will" films. If I wanted to do that, I'd write my own story... and it would be a lot better than the non-existent plot of this film. Whatever the director had in mind, it definitely doesn't come across to the audience.

Polaris is a visually captivating cinematic experience. And the made up language was wow!

Set against the backdrop of the frozen and harsh Canadian Arctic, the film follows the journey of a young warrior girl, who is navigating the realities of life in the war-torn North. The storytelling is poignant, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The cinematography beautifully captures the vast, frozen landscape, enhancing the film's mystical qualities. The performances and supporting cast, are deeply authentic, drawing viewers into the characters' struggles and triumphs. My daughter and I especially loved the opportunity to meet a couple of the actors at the end of the screening.

Carthew skillfully weaves together themes of humanity, our natural environment, self-discovery and survival creating a compelling narrative that resonates on a profound level. Additionally, the film's music, composed by the talented Tanya Tagaq, enhances the overall impact and raw emotion.

Carthew's masterful storytelling makes her a director to watch and this gem is a must-see for anyone seeking a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of humanity and resilience.