‘Arctic’s Edge’ VOD Review
Stars: David Lenik, Rory Wilton, Johnny Vivash, Ricardo Freitas, Rosie Edwards | Written by David Lenik | Directed by Max Keough
“Maybe I don’t want to be found.”
From director Max Keough comes literal ice-cold thriller, Arctic’s Edge. In the life of Calvin Trask (David Lenik), isolation, along with peace and quiet, are achievable. Lucas Wade (Rory Wilton) has other plans. A new neighbour present in a close-by cabin, Calvin’s curiosity gets the better of him; he scopes out Lucas, and what he finds lands him frozen stiff. Lucas’ retreat to this isolated Nordic town comes with nothing but danger, both in the past and the future to come. The busybody nature of Calvin leaves him with nowhere to escape and with no option but to befriend Lucas, all as the intensity of a lifetime is heating an ice-cold environment.
Equipped from start to finish with stunning location cinematography, the opening sequences establish great ambition, excitement, and anticipation in what wonderful winter wonders might occur in the unforgiving cold. From cabins to snowy woodlands, pure isolation in almost desolate conditions. Sadly, obvious budget limitations prevent further exploration in this winter wonderland.
Many great stories that occur in any variety of the wintery woodland or below freezing remote locations, etc., present unforgettable conflicts between both nature and man, as well as man vs. man. The Revenant and The Edge are two examples that feature great and unbelievable sequences that leave a lasting impression throughout the respective films. In the case of Arctic’s Edge, the cabin door is open to create something scary and worthwhile in the wintery climate, but these opportunities are rarely taken or even pursued.
When action does occur, the quality isn’t gripping or thrilling enough. Instead, especially in regards to gunfire, the action appears overly fake. Weaponry looks to have been added in post. Sadly, it sticks out. Ultimately losing its effectiveness, the viewer is left feeling cold…
In keeping the viewer’s interest warm, and to abide by budget limitations, plenty of emphasis is placed on its two main characters and the respective performances. Rory Wilton does an excellent job as Lucas Wade. A performance that begs for both sympathy and curiosity, all whilst maintaining the aroma of a true hard bastard. David Lenik on the other hand, excels in the complete opposite. He is a nosey, bland worm. Essentially the opposite to Rory’s Lucas.
Ultimately, Arctic’s Edge views like a hollow promise. A cold one, too. Whilst the location shooting is wonderful, and the relationship dynamic between Calvin and Lucas is interesting, the overwhelming feeling that something is missing – be it quality or story events – leaves a sad lasting impression.
** 2/5
Arctic’s Edge is on digital platforms now.
