Polar Peril: Ice, Intrigue, and Isolation

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Arctic Circle: Seasons 1-3 (DVD)
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2018-2023, 2024 Kino Lorber DVD
Runtime: 16h 23m, 21 x ≈50m episodes
Creator(s): Olli Haikka, Petja Peltomaa, Joona Tena, Jón Atli Jónasson
Director(s): Hannu Salonen, Jussi Hiltunen, Juha Lankinen
Cast: Iina Kuustonen, Pihla Viitala, Venla Ronkainen, Mikko Leppilampi, Janne Kataja, Maximilian Brückner, Clemens Schick
Where To Watch: available September 3, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Set against the stark, wintry backdrop of Finnish Lapland, ARCTIC CIRCLE is a thrilling foray into the world of Nordic noir, where the icy wilderness mirrors the chilling narrative woven throughout its three-season run. This series blends environmental drama with deep, personal conflict, making it a compelling study of human endurance in adversity.

From the outset, ARCTIC CIRCLE pulls in viewers with the life of Nina Kautsalo (Iina Kuustonen,) a dedicated police officer in the quiet town of Ivalo. Her life is irrevocably changed when she stumbles upon a Russian woman near death in a secluded cabin. This grim discovery quickly unravels into a broader crisis involving multiple victims and a lethal virus, drawing the attention of Dr. Thomas Lorenz (Maximilian Brückner,) a German virologist. His arrival heightens the stakes as he battles a virus with catastrophic potential, reminiscent of one that had previously wreaked havoc in Yemen. The dynamic between Nina and Dr. Lorenz is riveting, bolstered by stellar performances that anchor the series in realism and urgency.

Despite its compelling start, the series occasionally veers into subplots surrounding Dr. Lorenz’s struggles. While these moments aim to add more interest to his character, they sometimes detract from the central suspense of the story. Nevertheless, the first season escalates the tension beautifully, wrapping up in a way that perfectly sets the stage for the following seasons.

In its second season, ARCTIC CIRCLE expands its horizons to Rovaniemi, a city in Finland, shifting the narrative to incorporate a critique of corporate overreach and ecological irresponsibility. This season introduces a new set of challenges for Nina, placing her ideals directly against corporate exploitation and environmental concerns. Though the series attempts to meld intimate human stories with these broader issues, it occasionally lacks the focus to put the weight behind the story, delving into melodramatic territory that muddles its otherwise crisp storytelling.

The narrative returns to its roots in the final season, bringing back the chilling isolation of Ivalo and reintroducing characters that helped to keep that original season as strong as it was. This season focuses on the clash between traditional lifestyles and the invasive forces of modern industrialization, a theme that resonates within the Arctic setting. The tension between preserving a way of life and succumbing to external development pressures encapsulates the core of the series' appeal.

Overall, ARCTIC CIRCLE is a uniquely crafted series that marries the beauty of its icy setting with a complex narrative of survival and moral conflict. It stands as a testament to the resilience of its characters and the harsh landscape they inhabit, offering an exploration of life on the fringes of society. While the series navigates some narrative hurdles, its strengths in character development and thematic depth make it an engaging experience for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, MHZ CHOICE]

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