Release Date: October 6th, 2017
Cast: Idris Elba, Kate Winslet
Director: Hany Abu-Assad
Studio: Chernin Entertainment, Fox 2000
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Spoilers: Low
The Mountain Between Us is a romance that details the physical and emotional hardships of survival. It stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet as two travelers who find themselves stranded at the top of a mountain and must make their way to salvation, whatever the cost.
The plot of the film isn’t anything to write home about. Most simple survival stories aren’t particularly plot heavy. The are revolve to the most basic version of Man vs. Environment conflict. There’s nothing wrong with that, it just bears mentioning as there isn’t too much to discuss when it comes to this.
So while they trudge along the snowy slopes they begin to open up themselves, and yes, their hearts. That’s really where this movie works. Elba and Winslet are both charming and the movie is entirely carried by them, that’s all there is to it. Oh, there is also a third lead, the Dog, who is great and should be nominated for several awards, no doubt.
There movies scenery is quite pretty, breath-taking at times but far from the most beautiful thing put to film. There is a particular instance in the final act in which the camera is put close into the scene, bringing the audience closer into the relationship between the leads, placing us in their shoes that I think is particularly effective to emotionally bringing you in, unfortunately it happens as late as possible in the movie.
Overall, The Mountain Between Us doesn’t do anything new, or overly exciting. It is a competent, decent enough romantic drama. It checks the boxes but certainly doesn’t land extra credit. If you are into these kinds of movies, or particularly love Idris Elba and Kate Winslet (and who doesn’t?!) it is worth checking out but otherwise not so much.
English