À predominantly nonverbal arrangement of Arctic scenes is the only redeeming quality of the film. This film has been weighed, it has been measured, and it most certainly has been found extremely wanting. It lends itself to a mad Max themes slowed down to a crawl, while disincorporating a viable dialogue. No insult to Mad Max, which is somewhat of a cult classic, but does have somewhat of a low budget. Minute, by minute you wait for a pivotal moment. That satisfaction will never be realized. Even the ending, which culminates in a seeming crescendo, leaves one rolling their eyes, leaves one wanting, leaves one most definitely nonplussed.
8 Reviews
Frozen postapocalyptic story fails to deliver
hos514931 August 2023
Set in a distant postapocalyptic future, Polaris (2022) follows a young girl named Sumi who moves away from her life with a polar bear that raised her. The frozen land that surrounds her is occupied by violent gangs in repurposed rusted steel armour, reminescent of the survivors in Mad Max and Waterworld.
As a fan of both of these works, I went into this movie wanting to like it given the comparisons it has received in the press, in addition to it being a Canadian production. However, this movie felt like the filmmakers had all of these interesting ideas they wanted to put on the screen, except for a compelling story with interesting characters that the audience can feel invested in. What I experienced in this film was a hollow story with some mildly interesting gore in between.
The characters in the film speak an unrecognizable language (and Sumi who makes animal noises). The audience is invited to pay attention to the non-verbal performances of the actors, which is a refreshing and bold move by the filmmakers that fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the film... until there is a complete, tone-shattering voiceover in plain English somewhere in the middle of the movie and once more at the end.
The relationships that the protagonist Sumi builds with different characters seemed rushed and forced. I didn't feel that there was any character development over the course of the film. Also, there were elements of environmentalism that I hoped the film could have explored more deeply, instead of simply through superficial reactions by the protagonist. The production design is what you would expect from a low-budget film and does not detract too much from the immersiveness.
The movie does shine in some aspects. The cinematogrpahy is excellent in showing both the desolate and hopeful sides of the Yukon landscape. Muriel Dutil gives a powerful and emotional performance as Dee, an old woman Sumi meets in her journey and the only interesting character in the film.
As a fan of both of these works, I went into this movie wanting to like it given the comparisons it has received in the press, in addition to it being a Canadian production. However, this movie felt like the filmmakers had all of these interesting ideas they wanted to put on the screen, except for a compelling story with interesting characters that the audience can feel invested in. What I experienced in this film was a hollow story with some mildly interesting gore in between.
The characters in the film speak an unrecognizable language (and Sumi who makes animal noises). The audience is invited to pay attention to the non-verbal performances of the actors, which is a refreshing and bold move by the filmmakers that fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the film... until there is a complete, tone-shattering voiceover in plain English somewhere in the middle of the movie and once more at the end.
The relationships that the protagonist Sumi builds with different characters seemed rushed and forced. I didn't feel that there was any character development over the course of the film. Also, there were elements of environmentalism that I hoped the film could have explored more deeply, instead of simply through superficial reactions by the protagonist. The production design is what you would expect from a low-budget film and does not detract too much from the immersiveness.
The movie does shine in some aspects. The cinematogrpahy is excellent in showing both the desolate and hopeful sides of the Yukon landscape. Muriel Dutil gives a powerful and emotional performance as Dee, an old woman Sumi meets in her journey and the only interesting character in the film.
disappointment of a lifetime - left extremely confused
ChelseaCritiques22 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I expected, based on the summary, a story about a child being taken captive and finding a way to liberate herself. However, I was majorly disappointed when I found out she escaped in the first 10 minutes only for a nonsensical AND nonexistent plot to "occur." You'd think that it would take some time to escape, however, she did it immediately and there was only unnecessary violence. There was no explanation on the importance of the constellation (why they needed to follow it in the first place), and absolutely no explanation for why she got kidnapped in the first place. I was confused the entire movie in an attempt to figure out WHY she was being hunted down in the first place (they didn't elaborate on the is,) and I was confused on why at certain points in the movie, they had neon green blood and regular red blood. They didn't attempt to explain anything, resulting in a fast pace movie with zero attempts at creating a plot. It's as if they just put random ideas in a bucket, picked them out, and decided to let us create our own plot as we watch the movie. I decided to watch it through to the end in the hopes all of my questions would be answered, but since there was absolutely no plot, I was left with even more questions than I had starting the movie. You'd imagine after she got taken captive she would escape to try to find her mom (the polar bear) but NO! She decided to just follow Polaris, which I can understand since they were heading that way in the beginning. Only, I thought the bear and the girl would meet up in the middle and finish the journey together. I was wrong. They didn't even meet up after an HOUR and 20 minutes into the movie, mind you, the movie is about an hour and 25 minutes excluding the credits. The ending was the most disappointing however, as the writers decided to make her "join" Polaris??? They had her swim in a random body of water they found in a building and SOMEHOW the mother bear ended up being there to swim with her, resulting in them becoming the Polaris constellation, and the movie ended. A complete waste of time, and extremely disappointing. I strongly recommend you DO NOT WATCH IT!
Wilderness madness
jordidroj8 October 2022
"Set in 2144 against the harsh backdrop of a subarctic wasteland, SUMI, a human child raised by MAMA POLAR BEAR, narrowly escapes capture from a brutal MORAD hunting party and sets out across the vast winter landscape. When Sumi stumbles across FROZEN GIRL, an unlikely friendship is forged and together they race ahead of the vindictive hunters towards the only guiding light Sumi knows, the POLARIS star."
7.5/10
I have to admit this kind of film is not my usual cup of tea, BUT this is what I love about Sitges, having the chance to explore new territories. This is a bold and expertly crafted picture, with a strong lead child performance, so it deserves at least an extra half star for the effort. And I loved the made-up language!
7.5/10
I have to admit this kind of film is not my usual cup of tea, BUT this is what I love about Sitges, having the chance to explore new territories. This is a bold and expertly crafted picture, with a strong lead child performance, so it deserves at least an extra half star for the effort. And I loved the made-up language!
Completely changed my perspective.
jodacy-280739 March 2024
9/10
I went into this movie knowing nothing about what it was about. In the beginning I was confused but weirdly intrigued, like I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. A big lesson I learned from this movie is the power it has to change my perspective with no words. Words are the main source of understanding, so when that's taken away you're forced to use your imagination. What are the characters trying to say but instead with their words showing it with their actions?
If I could talk to myself before watching this movie I wouldn't say anything. I'm glad I experienced exactly how I did with no background information.
I went into this movie knowing nothing about what it was about. In the beginning I was confused but weirdly intrigued, like I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. A big lesson I learned from this movie is the power it has to change my perspective with no words. Words are the main source of understanding, so when that's taken away you're forced to use your imagination. What are the characters trying to say but instead with their words showing it with their actions?
If I could talk to myself before watching this movie I wouldn't say anything. I'm glad I experienced exactly how I did with no background information.
Young Warrior Girl in Canada's Arctic
shannan-663229 March 2024
Polaris is a visually captivating cinematic experience. And the made up language was wow!
Set against the backdrop of the frozen and harsh Canadian Arctic, the film follows the journey of a young warrior girl, who is navigating the realities of life in the war-torn North. The storytelling is poignant, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The cinematography beautifully captures the vast, frozen landscape, enhancing the film's mystical qualities. The performances and supporting cast, are deeply authentic, drawing viewers into the characters' struggles and triumphs. My daughter and I especially loved the opportunity to meet a couple of the actors at the end of the screening.
Carthew skillfully weaves together themes of humanity, our natural environment, self-discovery and survival creating a compelling narrative that resonates on a profound level. Additionally, the film's music, composed by the talented Tanya Tagaq, enhances the overall impact and raw emotion.
Carthew's masterful storytelling makes her a director to watch and this gem is a must-see for anyone seeking a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of humanity and resilience.
Set against the backdrop of the frozen and harsh Canadian Arctic, the film follows the journey of a young warrior girl, who is navigating the realities of life in the war-torn North. The storytelling is poignant, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The cinematography beautifully captures the vast, frozen landscape, enhancing the film's mystical qualities. The performances and supporting cast, are deeply authentic, drawing viewers into the characters' struggles and triumphs. My daughter and I especially loved the opportunity to meet a couple of the actors at the end of the screening.
Carthew skillfully weaves together themes of humanity, our natural environment, self-discovery and survival creating a compelling narrative that resonates on a profound level. Additionally, the film's music, composed by the talented Tanya Tagaq, enhances the overall impact and raw emotion.
Carthew's masterful storytelling makes her a director to watch and this gem is a must-see for anyone seeking a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of humanity and resilience.
Indie film lives!
art-3329312 March 2024
The boldness and originality of vision blew me away. This is movie-magic... a fantastical ride that propels the imagination. For me the film's emphasis on empathy (yes, even with the bloodshed) intuition, and connection with Nature, make it standout. I think the filmmaker created an original female centred story world and put characters and story themes on screen that feel wildly relevant and unique. I get the "Mad Max" reference, but it also reminds me of a French film, "The Bear" (1980s) and the Japanese anime "Princess Mononoke". Can't wait to see what this team does next... I'm hoping for a sequel and/or a prequel...
A unique experience a must see
atomicqwark31 March 2024
I am not writting reviews very often (ok maybe it's my first one), but because the movie has such a bad one, I had to jump on my keyboard and give it the respect it deserves.
I am part of these people saying "nowadays all movies are the same, just a copy of a copy of a copy" yet I can still enjoy blockbusters, but not having my mind blew, if you follow me.
But that movie is the most original I have seen in long long time, one that is not affraid to go out of the paved roads and that's what give it that refreshing taste.
Taking place in a futuristic polar wastelands, Sumi (the main character) is babling some unknown languages and interract only occasionally with other characters and except for a very short narrative at the beginning, at the middle and finally at the end of the movie, there is no understandable speech, sounds like a strange realisator's choice right?
Yet you manage to understand what's up and feel it all, thanks to a good casting, it makes the whole atmosphere almost tangible.
Even if the plot itself is quite thin (Sumi is following a purple star in the sky, like the 3 wise kings going after Jesus), it's mystical enough to pick your curiosity just right and keep you entertained without being able to guess the end (even if you torture me I won't reveal it).
Finally I want to talk about the last unusual element that I really enjoyed, at the very beginning the narrative sounds very childish, almost candide like a soft fairy tale, but no longer after you realise that it's a violent world we are evolving in, these two aspects will continue to oppose each other until the end and somehow create a consistent balance like a yin/yang.
Up to this point you probably understood how much I enjoyed that experience and that I highly recommend it, if I picked your curiosity with the above lines, please make yourself a favor, switch your phone off and watch that movie.
I am part of these people saying "nowadays all movies are the same, just a copy of a copy of a copy" yet I can still enjoy blockbusters, but not having my mind blew, if you follow me.
But that movie is the most original I have seen in long long time, one that is not affraid to go out of the paved roads and that's what give it that refreshing taste.
Taking place in a futuristic polar wastelands, Sumi (the main character) is babling some unknown languages and interract only occasionally with other characters and except for a very short narrative at the beginning, at the middle and finally at the end of the movie, there is no understandable speech, sounds like a strange realisator's choice right?
Yet you manage to understand what's up and feel it all, thanks to a good casting, it makes the whole atmosphere almost tangible.
Even if the plot itself is quite thin (Sumi is following a purple star in the sky, like the 3 wise kings going after Jesus), it's mystical enough to pick your curiosity just right and keep you entertained without being able to guess the end (even if you torture me I won't reveal it).
Finally I want to talk about the last unusual element that I really enjoyed, at the very beginning the narrative sounds very childish, almost candide like a soft fairy tale, but no longer after you realise that it's a violent world we are evolving in, these two aspects will continue to oppose each other until the end and somehow create a consistent balance like a yin/yang.
Up to this point you probably understood how much I enjoyed that experience and that I highly recommend it, if I picked your curiosity with the above lines, please make yourself a favor, switch your phone off and watch that movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
