‘You are the experiment’
Arctic Void is a 2022 American sci-fi survival thriller in which most of the passengers and crew on a tourist ship inexplicably vanish. The three remaining men are forced ashore, alone in the elements…
Directed by Darren Mann (documentaries: This Cold Life; State of Control; Holiday in Rwanda) from a screenplay written by Michael Weaver (Ouija: Origin of Evil). Produced by Grant Myers and Michael Weaver.
The Two Doors Down production stars Michael Weaver (Ouija: Origin of Evil), Tim Griffin (Central Intelligence; The Gift; American Sniper), Justin Huen (Dexter), Rune Temte, Thea Sofie Lock Næs (The Last King) and Ingrid Liavag (The Night Eats The World).
Plot:
Childhood Los Angeles friends Ray Marsh (Michael Weaver) and Alan Meursault (Tim Griffin) are in the far North to make an episode of their modestly popular travel and nature show, ‘Vagabond’. Since their regular cameraman fails to get a visa, they’re joined by local hire an ex-pat, Sean Tibbets (Justin Huen).
What starts as a once-in-a-lifetime day cruise quickly descends into madness as all but the three of them vanish from the boat. Left alone in the elements, the clock now ticks on their survival.
The unexplained disappearance casts cerebral family man Alan into an existential crisis. On top of this, his health is declining rapidly for reasons beyond anyone’s understanding…
Our review:
Arctic Void begins promisingly and maintains a distinct sense of paranoia and unease for much of its running time. The bleak Norwegian Pyramiden compound – a Soviet-era leftover – the three ‘survivors’ find themselves marooned at is captivating in a time-warped manner. There is a genuine sense of bewilderment and hopelessness. The regrets of the two lead characters, Ray and Alan, are touching.
Unfortunately, the plot then goes nowhere and this Twilight Zone-style mystery simply doesn’t have enough of a conclusion to merit its feature-length existence.
Adrian J Smith, MOVIES & MANIA
Other reviews:
“The first thirty minutes are amazingly good, setting up a deeply intriguing mystery, unlike anything I’d ever seen. Then, it just stops. Seriously, the plot development which had been the film’s best element, simply ceases, in favour of endless wandering about. Rarely have I seen a film go off the rails in such a decisive fashion.” Rating: C, Film Blitz
“It’s pretty no-frills, and any production value comes from what’s already on site. With so little to work with, director Darren Mann creates suspense-filled “is someone watching us?” moments and thrills. The fun of Arctic Void comes in the first two acts […] The weakness is that third act — the revelations of the mystery.” Film Threat
” …if you are someone who likes suspense, likes a little ambiguity, mixed with some good old fashioned tension, and a sprinkling of humor (mostly at the beginning) this is the kind of old school film that might be appealing. Especially if you want something that doesn’t riddle you with blood and guts.” Fresh Buttered Popcorn
” …if you allow yourself to be in the shoes of the television crew, I think you’ll find something frightening and claustrophobic. My only complaint is that it just ends. Boom. Done. And one major plot point remains unresolved […] Arctic Void sets you up for a wild finale and then vanishes. Arctic Void is scary good though it won’t be for everyone.” Horror Society
“It is an absolutely gorgeous location and director Darren Mann and cinematographer David Rush Morrison have done wonders, creating a modest film that has the requisite creepiness and claustrophobic feel of the genre. The denouement is a bit flat and the final act could have delivered a more satisfying ending, but the cast turns in entirely acceptable performances…” Planet Dave
“If Arctic Void had taken not just its setting from the Cold War but some plot tips from some of that era’s more paranoid thrillers it would have been a lot better off. Instead, it’s a frustrating watch that crashes just short of the finish line. The cast and crew show a lot of promise, hopefully, they’ll get a better chance to show it off.” Voices from the Balcony
Release date:
In the US, Level 33 Entertainment (Behemoth; Penance Lane; To Kill the Dragon) released Arctic Void theatrically in select locations and on demand (VOD) on January 14th 2022.
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Full film – free to watch online on YouTube:
Cast and characters:
Michael Weaver … Ray Marsh
Tim Griffin … Alan Meursault
Justin Huen … Sean Tibbets
Rune Temte … Jim
Sarah Alles … Freida
Laura Sophia Becker … Elsie
Ingrid Liavaag … Marlene
Thea Sofie Loch Næss … Lucy
Thomas Gallagher … Anders
Jim Johansen … Taxi Driver
Ingrid Liavaag … Marlene
Filming locations:
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Pyramiden, Svalbard, Norway (as Russia)
Technical details:
1 hour 25 minutes
Aspect ratio: 2.35: 1
