Polaris

"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!

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.

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.

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.

This is a really well made movie with beautiful scenery and skilled direction. However, if you like movies to do all the thinking for you, it's probably not for you.

The story blends sci-fi, folklore spirituality and metaphor which will challenge a lot of people, but reminds me of the old 70's style mind benders like Zardoz and THX 1138. A lot of Mad Max vibes as well.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where survivors have regressed socially, but are still surrounded with remnants of past advanced civilisation. The heroine has spiritual powers connected to nature and follows a path to her destiny which brings her into contact with good and bad survivors.

Approach it as a tribal folk tale and you will probably enjoy it. But if you expect a modern paint-by-numbers Hollywood movie, you will be disappointed.