Soul Freeze in Iceland
At the beginning of the film, a female narrator reflects on the notion of Iceland as “a land of possibilities… if one can withstand the cold… the lengthy nights… the hunger.” In the initial scenes, cinematographer Eli Arenson captures the bright blue sky against the glistening white ice—the sole visible surface—evoking feelings of endurance. From the outset, the atmosphere resembles a frightening tale shared by a fireplace, one that one wishes remains warm and lively, as the fear of a cold alternative brings about a sense of unease.
Odessa Young portrays Eva, who manages a fishing station that belonged to her deceased husband, Magnus. Although it’s not typical for women to hold such a position, the community faces even greater difficulties, including a food shortage. As a result, the sight of a shipwreck off the remote shore evokes a rare feeling: bitterness. “What were they doing so far north?” one person wonders aloud. “We can hardly feed ourselves,” another quickly complains. Consequently, no rescue team is sent out, and no assistance is provided.
Resentment Haunts Everybody
Eva seems to accept this decision on the surface, but it ends up coming back to haunt her. While a typical horror story might depict the spirits of those left behind on the ship haunting the living, something far more sinister unfolds. There are inexplicable accidents, unexpected rewards, and the people at the fishing station begin to turn on one another, spreading chaos and insanity. One particularly strong fisherman loses his mind and confronts Eva and the others, asking, “Do you really think you’re safe?”
The tension is heightened by composer Stephen McKeon’s high-pitched strings, reminiscent of the music by Penderecki that Kubrick used to great effect in “The Shining.” The entire cast, featuring British actor Joe Cole from “Peaky Blinders,” maintains an appropriately somber demeanor throughout the suspenseful events. By the end, when the fire that Eva was told was needed to lift the curse finally appears, it leads to a truly shocking twist. Typically, the first films released each year are among the weakest, but this one defies that trend.