The Grey

An airplane loaded with roughneck oilmen crashes in Alaska and the survivors trek through a snow storm to survive while a pack of wolves kill them off one by one.

Some reviewers loved it. Some hated it. Those who loved it saw a competently directed action horror film in a realistic setting filled with real people facing real threats. Those who hated it saw an unrealistic depiction of wildlife behavior and unworkable outdoor skills. People who loved it thought the movie was realistic. People who hated it thought it was ridiculous.

Without giving away the story, let me tell you that this is not a story about actual wolf behavior. This is more like the numerous movies of the produced through the '70s, '80s and '90s about a group of people picked off one by one by unseen creatures lurking in the dark. In the '70s, they were natural animals like sharks, killer whales, reptiles, furry animals and insects. In the '80s they were space aliens and robots. In the '90s they were super assassins. Lately they are vampires and zombies. Now we are back to furry animals. But the overall theme is the same.

It is refreshing to see this theme played out in the Alaskan wilderness rather than on a space ship or an underground city overrun by zombies. In that sense, this movie is realistic. But the furry animals in the movie behave more like space aliens than actual wolves. The "expert hunter" in the movie is not actually giving you wisdom that will be useful in the Alaskan wilderness. He is more of a generic zombie hunter. In that sense, this movie is unrealistic.

So whether you like this movie or not depends entirely on what you are in the mood to see. If you want Discovery Channel, look elsewhere. If you want to see good acting in a scenic backdrop with lots of scary moments, you will like this movie. You don't have to really check in your brain at the door. Like so many Ridley Scott movies, this one is also a meditation on the nature of fate. This movie is a good piece of fiction. Just a bad documentary.

I'll start off by saying this movie is not made for everyone. This is about a movie based off of survival instincts between man and nature. First time watching this, It's a thrill chiller. If you're wanting a movie that's depressing 90% of the time, this is the movie for you. This movie grasps way beyond an imagination of dealing with nature's worst environments after a plane wreckage. Traveling through the coldest winter, little to no food, wounded, tiredness and cold, it's a rough marry go-round. Not only the harsh environment for the remaining survivors have to deal with, the movie decided to throw in Northern Arctic Wolves and that made the survivors a living nightmare of hell. Only reason why I gave the movie a 8 star was Ottway (Liam Neeson) was a huntsman. His job subscription should have made him an expert of dealing with the current situation a little more suitable than just trying to survive with some ideas. None of the less, excellent movie for drama watchers.

Without pontificating about hidden meanings and artsy interpretations, I'd simply say that this is a film about a man who doesn't care if he lives or dies after the loss of his partner. It is not an action movie or a survival movie in the strictest sense: it is more about the manner in which we die and the way we face death, and it is beautifully filmed. It could be seen that, as well as representing the visceral, raw savagry of death, the Wolves represent the metaphorical relentlessness of death, its hopelessness and inevitability. This is certainly felt strongly in this film and it is very well done. The weakest are taken early on and the strongest live longer, but it comes for us all eventually.

I would place this film alongside The Edge with Anthony Hopkins as it has a similar feel in its vast isolated beauty and a similar metaphor for life and its meaning: how we're all relatively vulnerable and tiny in the face of mother nature in her purest form.

It is a very tense and exciting movie; the plot is good, the action scenes are excellent, and Liam Neeson's acting is sublime; it is highly recommended.

This is a gripping survival thriller that transcends the typical genre conventions. Anchored by Liam Neeson's powerful performance, the film unfolds in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, where a group of oil workers must confront both nature's brutality and their own inner demons after a plane crash.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the harsh beauty of the snow-covered landscapes and creating a palpable sense of isolation. The film skillfully explores themes of survival, loss, and the primal instinct to live against all odds. Neeson's character, Ottway, provides a compelling focal point as he grapples not only with the external threats but also with his own existential struggles.

The tension is relentless, enhanced by a haunting score that complements the visceral intensity of the narrative. The wolves, both literal and metaphorical, become a symbol of the characters' internal struggles and the inevitability of death. The character dynamics are well-developed, adding emotional depth to the suspenseful plot.

The movie stands out in the survival genre, offering more than just adrenaline-pumping action. It delves into the human psyche, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. With its evocative storytelling and Neeson's compelling performance, Moreover, it is a gripping exploration of the thin line between life and death.