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Against the Ice

Against the Ice is a 2022 historical survival film directed by Peter Flinth and written by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Derrick.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Against the Ice is a 2022 historical survival film directed by Peter Flinth and written by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Derrick. Based on Ejnar Mikkelsen’s account of a real Danish Arctic expedition, it follows two men attempting to prove that northeastern Greenland is a single landmass. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and was released on Netflix in March 2022.

Plot and historical basis

The film dramatizes the Danish Alabama Expedition led by Ejnar Mikkelsen, which sought evidence that Greenland was not divided by a channel and that northeastern Greenland belonged to Denmark. The story is adapted from Mikkelsen’s memoir Two Against the Ice.

Production and release

Against the Ice was directed by Peter Flinth and written by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Derrick. It premiered in Berlin in February 2022 and then debuted on Netflix worldwide in March 2022.

Cast

The principal cast includes Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Joe Cole, Charles Dance, and Heida Reed. Coster-Waldau portrays Mikkelsen, while Cole plays Iver Iversen, the expedition’s younger companion.

Reception

Review coverage described the film as visually strong but uneven, and aggregate descriptions characterize the overall response as mixed. The film was generally discussed as a survival adventure and historical drama.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the true story of Ejnar Mikkelsen’s 1909–1912 Arctic expedition.
  • Its plot centres on an effort to counter U.S. territorial claims in northeastern Greenland.
  • Nikolaj Coster-Waldau stars as Ejnar Mikkelsen and also co-wrote the screenplay.
  • The film premiered at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2022.
  • It was released on Netflix on March 2, 2022.
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Canadian context

The film is available on Netflix for Canadian viewers and may interest audiences drawn to Arctic history, exploration, and Greenland-related territorial history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Against the Ice?
Against the Ice is a 2022 historical survival film about a Danish Arctic expedition in Greenland.
Who directed Against the Ice?
Peter Flinth directed the film.
What is Against the Ice based on?
It is based on Ejnar Mikkelsen’s account of the Danish expedition, Two Against the Ice.
Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Joe Cole, Charles Dance, and Heida Reed.
When was Against the Ice released?
It premiered in February 2022 and was released on Netflix on March 2, 2022.
What historical issue does it depict?
It depicts a Danish attempt to refute U.S. claims over northeastern Greenland.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Against_the_Ice
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, source material, release date, and mixed critical reception
  2. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Against_the_Ice?id=AB3E01E8E6DA653AMV
    Supports: Release format, director, cast, filming locations, premiere, and Netflix release
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81115160
    Supports: Synopsis, source inspiration, and main cast
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/against_the_ice
    Supports: Synopsis and broad framing as a survival story based on a true story
  5. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/against-the-ice-berlin-2022-1235093049/
    Supports: Historical context of the expedition, territorial dispute, and general review perspective