The Mountain Between Us successfully weaves survival and romance in this thrilling journey of two characters struggling to find their way back to civilization.
“Oscar Winner Kate Winslet and Golden Globe Winner Idris Elba star in this sweeping, suspenseful drama based on Charles Martin’s novel. When a plane they’ve charted to beat a storm crashes in a remote mountain area, two strangers (Winslet and Elba) must trust each other in order to survive the extreme elements. With little hope of rescue, they begin a perilous journey that will shape the course of their lives.”
I’ve always enjoyed survival films; with the state of the world we live in today, it seems crazy that there are places in the world, even the United States, so remote that someone could get lost and potentially perish due to the elements trying to make their way back to civilization. Out of all the survival films I’ve seen, there is one element to The Mountain Between Us that is usually not featured prominently: romance. The romance and the relationship that grows between the two characters is the driving factor in the story, and I believe one of the most interesting parts.
Despite what any preconceived notions may be going into the film, it’s not a lovey-dovey type situation in which the characters spend all of their time head over heels for one another. Alex (Winslet) is supposed to be getting married the following day, and Ben (Elba) is still suffering a loss in his life. As they bicker and argue the best course of action to be rescued, something gradually grows between them over a long period of time, something that neither of them, or anyone in the outside world could understand. This less than picture perfect love story is different than most, and one of the things that makes the film stand out.
One interesting thing about the film I found was the overwhelming concern by the public about the fate of the dog that is present on the plane and ultimately joins them on their perilous journey. (If you don’t wish to know the publicly released information from the studio on his fate, stop reading here.) This concern was so great that the studio released a teaser trailer prominently featuring the dog with captions that read: “SPOILER ALERT THE DOG LIVES”. While I understand that no one wants to see an animal harmed, on screen or off, it seems silly to me that the studio is forced to placate to the masses who can’t separate film from real life that would drive their decision to see a film if the writer just stopped writing the part for the dog.
Regardless of the fate of any of the characters, their journey and ultimate love story in the face of such an incredible journey creates a bond between them that can never be explained or broken. For me, it was a very entertaining story, with both actors doing an incredible job holding my attention for almost two hours.
Video
The Mountain Between Us is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1. The HDR does indeed give this film some brilliant brights and colors, with the blinding white of the snow throughout the film, it makes this look incredible. No defects or blemishes noticed in the transfer, with a great balance of color contrasted with the bright whites.
The Blu-Ray is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This track sounds great as well, with a great balance between the surrounds and center channel, creating some impressive howling winds and other elemental effects while preserving the dialogue so we can hear. The score is equally as impressive, successfully creating tension and adding to the dramatic effect of the film.
Special Features
On this disc you’re going to see:
- The Mountain Between Us in High Definition
- Love and Survival: Creating Chemistry
- Mountain Between Them: Shooting in Isolation
- The Wilds: Survival Stunts
- Deleted Scenes
- Director’s Commentary by Hany Abu Assad
The Mountain Between Us successfully weaves survival and romance together to create an interesting and unique journey that the viewer embarks on with these characters. Although it may not be the best of either type of film, it’s the characters that drive the film, and not the situation. If you’re a fan of either genre, it’s worth checking out.
