Ben and Alex (Elba and Winslet) find more than comfort with each other; they find themselves.
Credit:@indiewire
The strikingly handsome Idris Elba (“Dark Tower,”) and the gorgeous, Kate Winslet (“Titanic”) star in “The Mountain Between Us.” Both Academy Award winners encapsulate the big screen in this fall flick. The movie was released in theatres on Oct. 6, 2017. With 45 days of continuous production, a temperature of negative 38 degrees Celsius and an altitude of 10,500 ft., shooting became a challenge for both actors and set crew.
Moreover, this movie was directed by Dutch/Palestine director Hany Abu-Assad, who is also a two-time nominee for Oscars in the foreign language category. Inspired by the novel written by Charles Martin of the same name published on June 1, 2010, the movie is tragic, yet romantic. Additionally, Charles Martin collaborates with Abu-Assad to theatrically bring the characters Ben Bass (Idris Elba) and Alex Martin (Kate Winslet) to life, as they explore how the persons will survive as they are the only persons for miles. The task at hand for Abu-Assad and Martin was to bring about a romantic relationship between the two effectively.
The movie begins as Ben and Alex travel to Denver for different reasons. Ben is a neurosurgeon who is in haste to perform an urgent surgery. Meanwhile, Alex who is a photojournalist is eager to return to Denver in time for her wedding the following day. From previous movies, both Elba and Winslet are ideal characters for The Mountain Between Us. Idris’ demeanor is one of resilience and strong-willed portrayed in “Thor” while Winslet survived tragedy in the “Titanic” and has been the epitome of a survivor since.
Ben and Alex’s desperate need to get to Denver is compromised when their pilot (flying them from Idaho to Denver), Walter has a stroke mid-flight, which is where the movie’s plot evolves.
The numerous mountains, a forest, and a frozen lake provide harsh conditions for the duo to persevere against. Alex and Ben, accompanied by the deceased pilot’s Golden Labrador, began a long trek towards civilization.
From the previews, it was eminent that survival would be the central theme of this movie. However, the title of the film “The Mountain Between Us” gives the illusion that this movie is solely about a couple who experience difficulties in a relationship. On the contrary, the movie is about being disconnected from civilization and persisting through hardship, which fosters a romantic relationship between the characters.
The movie addresses the possible outcomes of what is most probable to occur when two people are separated from civilization amidst chaos. Initially, arguments arise as Ben and Alex are stranded on the mountain, but mending occurs when they must cooperate with each other to survive and make it out alive.
Another major theme of this movie explores the rule of three which states that humans can only survive three days without water, three hours without shelter and three minutes without air. However, this movie tests the rule of three” as the characters are placed in a predicament that causes them to depend on each other defying the rule of three.
According to the book written by Charles Martin, the characters are separated from civilization for about four weeks, so it is relatively evident to figure out the outcome of this perilous yet mysterious journey.
The movie attempts to depict the possible outcomes of being separated from civilization and the journey of working together to make it back home alive. While watching the movie those that are familiar with the book and movie “Lord of The Flies” written by William Golding, would be reminded of the plane crash, arguments and chaos, and the need of cohesiveness to return to civilization safely.
With a PG-13 rating and a 103-minute run time, parents and guardians are strongly advised to accompany kids, due to minor sexual content and adult situations. The movie stirs mixed emotions on being faithful to one’s partner under the circumstances of separation. The theme is explored when in the movie Alex engages in a romantic relationship with Ben despite being on the precipice of her nuptials. It appears for most of the film that she has forgotten about her fiancé, but we are left to wonder if the romantic relationship occurred because of “cabin fever.”.
Overall, this movie is a must-see that will capture audience’s attention throughout the film. Both Elba and Winslet become the characters they were intended to be.
They both understood their roles and their real-life character traits are evidently seen when they must depend on each other to survive. Both characters are strong-willed and have excellent chemistry on screen. The only uncertainty comes as we are left not knowing whether Alex will tell her fiancé about her short-lived relationship with Ben
