Relentless element: 7 movies about snow survivors

The disaster is ruthless and does not choose a specific victim. Because of different circumstances – by accident or by stupidity – people find themselves hostage to snow traps and ice traps. Frost sweetly lulls, as if saying “stop, rest, do not waste energy, close your eyes”.

Doctors explain it by the fact that the body begins to spend most of its energy on heat regulation, and the brain receives fewer impulses. Therefore, a freezing person thinks slowly, his reactions are slow, there are knocked down weakness and terrible drowsiness. And if you give in to the “persuasions” of frost and let it prevail, it’s a disaster.

The heroes of these movies had to gather all the will in a fist, defy nature and desperately fight for their lives – even when salvation is not to be expected.

“Terror”, USA, 2018.

Series, 2 seasons

Režissöör Tim Milants, Edward Berger.

Osades: Jared Harris, Derek Mio, Tobias Menzies.

Vanusepiirang: 18+

John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 expedition to the Arctic, which was later labeled one of the most sinister mysteries in the history of mankind, was the subject of writer Dan Simmons’ novel “Terror”. He presented his vision of the tragedy – eerie, with a dose of mysticism.

“Terror”

130 crew members of the ships “Erebus” and “Terror” are trapped in the ice. Both ships were intentionally embedded in snow hummocks that could reach up to several tens of meters in height. Provisions were running out, as well as firewood to keep warm, it was unrealistic to move the multi-ton ships from the place. But it became even worse when people began to realize that there would be no help. According to historical data, a rescue expedition was organized only a few years later, and that was facilitated by Sir Franklin’s wife. Found later remains led to terrible conclusions – according to historians, the team of survivors flourished cannibalism. By the way, this fact Dan Simmons also included in the book.

The creators of the series almost did not depart from the artistic intent. People, realizing the plight of their situation and deprived of any hope of salvation, become victims of a monster – a giant polar bear. But this is not just an animal, but a bloodthirsty mythical creature that aims to destroy the crew of both ships.

The series (as well as the book) very harmoniously intertwines survival in extreme cold, sabotage on the ship, mythology, mysticism and detective plot. Finding themselves on the brink of madness, some retain moral principles and nobility and remain human until their last breath. Others – gather in groups of madmen and are ready to tear for an extra can of provisions.

“Terror”

“At Six Feet Under,” USA, 2017.

Režissöör Scott Waugh.

Osades Josh Hartnett, Mira Sorvino.

Vanusepiirang: 18+

The movie is based on real events that happened to the famous hockey player Eric Lemarque. A member of the French national team, a participant of the Winter Olympics – his career could develop further as successfully. But Eric did not pass the test of the star disease, and injuries forced him to leave the big world of sports.

The former hockey star sought solace in illegal drugs, alcohol and extreme sports. Not enough was Eric adrenaline, and the athlete walked literally on the edge, time after time testing fate. Until she did not teach him a harsh lesson.

In February 2004, Lemark was snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In a foolish coincidence, he got lost in the terrain. And, having chosen the wrong direction, on the contrary, got further and further away from the camp. For eight days Eric wandered through the snow-covered mountains in extreme cold. Pine nuts and bark of coniferous trees became his food. Eric did not give up – he kept trying to move. When his strength ran out, the athlete kept crawling.

“It didn’t matter, even if I had to crawl on all fours, I wasn’t going to give up. There was no way I was going to let my parents bury me,” Eric Lemarque wrote after the rescue in his book “Crystal Clear.” The movie was based on it. Don’t miss the scene after the credits – you will see the real Eric and learn how his fate turned out.

“Six Feet Under.”

“Between Us Mountains,” USA, 2017

Režissöör Hany Abu-Assad.

Osades: Kate Winslet, Idris Elba.

Vanusepiirang: 16+

A small plane crash leaves doctor Ben and journalist Alex stranded in the snowy mountains. Alex has a broken leg, there is practically no food, the frost is getting worse, and a hungry puma is hanging around the shelter of the poor people. Realizing that they can’t survive here, the couple decides to look for rescue on their own. And ahead hundreds of kilometers to the nearest settlement, snow obstacles, mountain rivers and predators. By the way, this movie is perfect for a romantic evening. Because the most important thing here is love.

“Between Us Mountains”

“Ice Trap,” USA, 2020.

Režissöör Brendan Walsh.

Osades: Vincent Piazza, Genesis Rodriguez.

Vanusepiirang: 18+

When watching the movie do not hurry to blame the scriptwriters – say, this can not happen in life, and the actions (or rather, misdeeds) of the main characters are inexplicable. After all, the basis of the real story of Jim and Jennifer Stolp, who decided that a car trip in the growing snowstorm – it’s just a little adventure.

The couple’s car ended up being swept into a ditch, with snow piled on top. With a very big hill. Adding to the drama was the fact that the couple had taken a five-month-old baby on the trip. And no provisions, no water and no warm clothes. What Jim and Jennifer were thinking about, going on a journey of 1500 km and whether everyone managed to escape from the trap – see the movie. No spoilers.

“The Ice Trap”

“White Captivity”, USA, 2005

Režissöör Frank Marshall.

Osades: Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood.

Vanusepiirang: 12+

If “Hachiko” turned your soul inside out, and “White Beam Black Ear” almost caused dehydration from spilled tears, then be prepared that this movie will be included in the list of the most heartwarming. And yes, it is better to watch it alone, if you are shy to show your tears – and they will definitely be there. The movie is amazing, touching.

Due to a snowstorm, people are evacuated at a station in Antarctica. Eight sled dogs are promised to return on the next flight. But the elements only intensify, the possibility of sending a plane for the dogs is unrealistic. The brave animals will have to survive for a year without people. By the way, this real story took place in the late 60s of the last century – then 15 dogs were left to their fate in harsh conditions.

“White Captivity”

“The Scramble”, USA, 2011.

Režissöör Joe Carnahan.

Osades: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney.

Vanusepiirang: 18+

Liam Neeson just got into the image of the eternal savior of daughters, wives and oppressed orphans persecuted by the mafia. And it’s good to see that this role goes beyond the latest cliched images. He is no super agent or retired spy. His character, John Ottway, is a hunter on a drilling station whose duties include shooting predators that encroach on territory with humans.

On the way home, the plane with the rig workers crashes in the forests of Alaska – some of the survivors try to take refuge in the wreckage of the fuselage and wait for help. But on the first night they are attacked by a pack of hungry wolves. John realizes that if they stay where they are, they can’t escape – they will freeze or be eaten by the predators. The handful of survivors embark on a long journey to the nearest town. But a ferocious pack is on their trail.

“The Clash”

“Whiteout,” USA, Canada, France, 2009.

Režissöör Dominic Sena.

Osades: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt.

Vanusepiirang: 16+

We can only guess how the beautiful Kate Beckinsale was thrown to Antarctica. And as an aide to a federal marshal. Carrie Stetko is ready to resign and leave the frosty and unfriendly continent forever. But just hours before leaving for the big land Carrie is informed that a corpse has been found. Now the girl can’t leave her post until she investigates and finds the killer. And for all this she has only three days – the Antarctic storm, which is called “whiteout”, is coming.

“whiteout.”