Directed By:
Malgorzata Szumowska
Written By:
Joshua Rollins
Starring:
Naomi Watts, Denis O’Hare, Billy Howle
Genre:
Drama, Thriller
Rated: R for Brief Nudity, Some Language
All media used courtesy of Off Media, Bleecker Street
As an experienced climber (Naomi Watts) takes up the challenge of Mt. Washington. After seeing the oncoming blizzard she turns back before she reaches the summit. On her way down, she hears a faint voice in the distance, leading her to a lone, stranded man. Not knowing if she’ll survive the storm herself, she takes it upon herself to save this mans life, but will they be able to make it down the mountain before the blizzard takes them?
We’ve seen similarly themed films like this recently with Land directed by Robin Wright. There’s many moments of just ambience and visuals to let you drink in the mountain landscape. You also get a glimpse at the highs and lows of hiking in dangerous climates, I think the director excelled when it came to setting up their shots, and setting the tone for what was coming.
Naomi Watts is always great and she again gives an emotionally resonate performance. Once the suspense kicks in and the story fully reveals itself, Watts kicks her performance into high gear as well. The supporting cast does well with what their characters have, but this is mainly a showcase for Watts. It’s tough to connect in for some parts of the film for me because of its pacing, but overall if you like triumph against all odds films that are based on true stories than this one is for you.
