Infinite Storm just opened in theaters. It pits a woman against a freezing blizzard in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, 2 Netflix films also revolve around snow-bound stories: Against the Ice (a historical journey in Greenland) & Black Crab (a sci-fi trek thru Sweden).

Infinite Storm Naomi Watts plays a climber who sets out to ascend Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, but a big blizzard complicates matters. Even more so, she discovers a lone man stranded in the snow and determines to get them both out alive. Since this is based on a true story, you have to accept the unlikely scenarios and just enjoy the hike. Even with several setbacks, there’s never any sense of peril that develops. The 30 minutes after they return attempts to add an emotional element to the journey, but ultimately falls flat. While the ordeal is interesting and the look is impressively snowy, the lack of tension keeps the film from being truly involving. (2.5 / 5)
Movieland link

Against the Ice This is based on Denmark’s expedition in the early 1900s to prove that Greenland was one land mass and avoid the US claim to the land. Two explorers (Joe Cole and Nikolau Coster-Waldau, who alo co-wrote) set out to discover the evidence, but not before the inevitable setbacks. Their perilous journey covers the first half of the story, but personal drama dominates, as they continue their struggle to survive in isolation. Considering that this is based on real events, their endurance is incredible. As for the film, the director Peter Flinth stages the “action” scenes with competence, but there’s never much fear for their lives (except one dog). Given the challenges of the period, this proves a fascinating history lesson, but doesn’t ever generate much emotion. (3.5 / 5)
Netflix link

Black Crab Noomi Rapace plays a speed skater who’s enlisted for a covert mission in this future world. The assignment is to transport an important package thru enemy territory to a place where it can be used to end the war. She and 5 others set out skating across the frozen Swedish archipelago. Of course, their trek is filled with all manner of peril, most of which is well-staged. Even so, the “cold” style prevents any genuine thrills. (3 / 5)
Netflix link