Arctic

Arctic is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy, and it earns its set pieces rather than just delivering them. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. 1,393 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Mads Mikkelsen brings a physicality to the role that elevates every sequence. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Arctic earns its spot. Arctic understands that stakes only matter if you care who is at risk. A man stranded in the Arctic is finally about to receive his long awaited rescue. However, after a tragic accident, his opportunity is lost and he must then decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his camp or embark on a deadly trek through the unknown for potential salvation. Mads Mikkelsen and Maria Thelma Smáradóttir lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2018. Arctic earns its bigger moments by making you care about the outcome before it happens. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want their entertainment to move fast and not waste a scene, Arctic respects your time. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Mads Mikkelsen is the obvious draw, but the supporting cast gives the action the context it needs to land. The action holds up because the character work underneath it never lets up.