On the Ice

2012

On the Ice

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

67%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 15

62%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 714
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Movie Info

Shot entirely on location in Barrow, Alaska, On The Ice is the engrossing and suspenseful feature film debut by filmmaker Andrew Okpeaha MacLean about two teenage boys who have grown up like brothers go about their lives in the comfortable claustrophobia of an isolated Alaskan town. Early one morning, on a seal hunt with another teenager, an argument between the three boys quickly escalates into a tragic accident. Bonded by their dark secret, the two best friends are forced to create one fabrication after another in order to survive. The shocked boys stumble through guilt-fueled days, avoiding the suspicions of their community as they weave a web of deceit. With their future in the balance, the two boys are forced to explore the limits of friendship and honor. -- (C) Official Site

Cast

Josiah Patkotak
as Qalli
Frank Qutuq Irelan
as Aivaaq
Teddy Kyle Smith
as Egasak
Adamina Kerr
as Michelle
Sierra Jade Sampson
as Uvlu
John Miller
as James
Rosabelle Kunnanna Rexford
as Aaka
Allison Warden
as Sigvaun
Tara Sweeney
as Dora
Vernon Kanayurak
as Roscoe
Jay Rapoza
as Max
Billyjens Hopson
as Jens
Denae Brower
as Darlene
Richard Enlow IV
as Trace
Tasha Taaqpak Panigeo
as Charlene
Gage Saxton
as DJ
Jerica Aamodt
as Ellie
Johnnie Kunaq Brower
as Nathaniel
Olemaun Rexford
as Olemaun
Jack Packer
as Helicopter Pilot
Thomas Ahtuangaruak Jr.
as Jimmy
Robert Allen Brouilette
as Trooper Tagak
Katie Roseberry
as Teen Girl
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Critic Reviews for On the Ice

All Critics (15) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (5)

  • The effect is stunningly effective, submerging us in a snowy, frozen, barren land with few options but plenty of opportunities for trouble. It is an offbeat gem.

    Mar 29, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Bill Goodykoontz

    Arizona Republic
    Top Critic

  • An authentic look at life in remote Alaska (the film was shot with a native cast in MacLean's hometown of Barrow) and at a people grappling with drugs, alcoholism, poverty and the limits of an unforgiving environment.

    Feb 23, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Gary Goldstein

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • If only because of the setting, this is an uncommonly involving thriller. I could call it a film noir, except that the sun never sets in the film.

    Feb 23, 2012 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic

  • Unfortunately, the emotional landscape of MacLean's stoic main character, Qalli, is often as blank as the tundra.

    Feb 17, 2012 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

    Sara Stewart

    New York Post
    Top Critic

  • While Mr. Irelan and a few of the supporting players have some solid moments (the entire cast consists of nonprofessionals), the general vibe is too stilted to convince.

    Feb 16, 2012 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Jeannette Catsoulis

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • A sturdy vehicle for unadorned morality and pragmatic justice.

    Feb 16, 2012 | Full Review…

    John Anderson

    Wall Street Journal
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (15)

Audience Reviews for On the Ice

  • Mar 30, 2014
    In "On the Ice," Aivaaq(Frank Qutuq Irelan) and Qalli(Josiah Patkotak) are the best of friends while living on the Arctic Circle. At the same time, their lives are heading in vastly different directions. Aivaaq is about to become a father for the first time while Qalli is on a path to college. Still, they go to a party together that Qalli leaves early to visit his grandmother(Rosabelle Kunnanna Rexford). When Qalli goes out to meet Aivaaq and James(John Miller) for hunting the following morning, he finds the two fighting which soon escalates into something much more serious. James knocks out Aivaaq with a shovel and tries to kill him which Qalli prevents, accidentally killing James in the process. You have to commend any movie that takes us any place that we rarely see to meet people we would never have any contact with otherwise which is what "On the Ice" does quite well. In this Alaskan village, there is a tight-knit community where traditions are starting to fade, just as the youth feel they are trapped by limited opportunities, leading to underage drinking. For the record, this is also kind of simplistic and if you want to shock me with teenage drinking, then you are thirty years too late. But the movie manages to just twist the usual pardigms enough to make it interesting. Just remember. Stay in school and don't do drugs.
    Walter M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 20, 2011
    An Alaskan thriller that benefits from its locations and cinematography, efficiently exploring the white vastness of the snow and the atmosphere of isolation. However, the amateurish actors put in weak, irregular performances, while the unoriginal script does not offer any surprises.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
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