Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken and Magnet Releasing comes the story of a ship on its own from THE ARCTIC CONVOY.

It is 1942 in the midst of World War II and a convoy of thirty-five ships are headed to a Norwegian outpost loaded with military supplies. In the waters are German subs and, in the skies above are planes ready for attack. Captain Skar (Anders Baasmo) is responsible for one of these ships and when a message comes through that the convoy of ships is to scatter, both captain and crew are stunned.

Also on board is the man under the Captain, Mork (Tobias Santelmann), once a captain himself, he has a history that can either help or hurt the ship. Responsible for communications is Ragnhild (Heidi Ruud Ellingsen) who follows every message and listens for unexpected in the air and under the sea. Almost immediately, ships begin sending out distress calls after being attacked and Mork makes the first mistake leading the ship into a mine field.

Baasmo as Skar is a ships captain that runs things as he sees fit. Not happy when his orders are questioned, he makes it clear who is in charge and keeps his crew in line. When things begin to become scary, attacking things head on get him hurt. Baasmo’s performance is that of a captain who wants everyone to do their job and, in doing so, get the mission complete. He is not a harsh task master but he doesn’t take anything lightly.

Santelmann as Mork is a man who, previously a captain, has a story to tell that can cause unrest among the crew. He does not agree with the captain but keeps his head down until the opportunity presents itself that he must put aside his past and find a way to bring as many people as possible home alive. Santelmann’s role is that of a man who is clearly dealing with his own issues and unsure how to work with Captain Skar, but when he does make a decision that will make jaws drop, all the viewer can do is see it through!

Ellingsen as Ragnhild is stellar at her job and full stands behind the captain when hard decisions have to be made. When she comes up against Mork, Ragnhild makes it clear she will do her job but not participate in anything that will harm the ship and its crew. Ellingsen is a strong female character on a ship full of men and she knows the job refusing to tolerate anyone who attempts to bring her down. That is worth everything in this film as Ragnhild is smart, quick and they ships needs that. 

Kudos to the rest of the cast for bringing in strong performances that are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes rebellious but all brave. They include: Preben Hodneland as Lars, Adam Lundgren as Johan, Kristian Repshus as Evensen, Fredrik Stenberg as Martinsen, Tord Kinge as Isaksen, Jakob Fort as Bergvik, Jon Ranes as Sigurd, and Olav Waastad as Chiefen.

Magnet Releasing is a part of Magnolia Pictures that specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy, and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. To find out more of what Magnet Releasing has to offer, please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

Writer/director Dahlsbakken says of his film, “World War II remains the most transformative event in world history. The human cost is appalling and touches me deeply, even after seventy-five years. The film depicts ordinary people without the prerequisites to stand in the middle of a war, who are forced to overcome the most inhumane stresses out at sea. The film is not interested in portraying archetypes but focuses on real people like you and me.”

He continues, “Nothing is black and white. Hence, it is precisely the gray areas that are interesting and make “the fog of war” a thematic title for the project. All the uncertainties, the coincidences, the lack of communication, and, not least, trust, are factors that were completely natural part of the war sailors’ everyday life. Lie at sea was merciless and brutal. The physical and psychological stresses are unparalleled. Not only did the war sailors have to deal with the risks that weather and wind brought with it, but the Murmansk convoys were targets for German aircraft and submarines, as they carried vital equipment to the Eastern Front.”

THE ARCTIC CONVOY is a strong film that tells the story of a group of ships putting their lives in jeopardy for the war effort. I enjoy stories based in reality as they have an opportunity to bring an audience to be entertained but leaving knowing something they may not have known before. The film is in the same vein as Tom Hanks’ GREYHOUND and strong in equal measure. THE ARCTIC CONVOY does exactly what director Dahlsbakken says, it focuses on real people who react as we would expect them too.

The film is epic in scope, smart in the telling and clever in the way of survival. That makes for historical story telling which Dahlsbakken has done extremely well. I was wrapped up in it all from start to finish which is what everyone wants from a film.

In the end – courage was their lifeline!

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