Liam Neeson leads a ragtag bunch of roughnecks on a journey of discovery through the Alaskan wilderness. After being stranded in the middle of a frozen wasteland, a group of oil workers must brave incredibly hostile conditions to survive. While trying to avoid succumbing to the freezing temperatures, they soon find out they are not alone in the cold darkness.
John Ottway is a solitary man, with a very “unique set of skills”. He works as a security sniper for any predators that may wander too close to their drilling operation.
Haunted by the memory of an alcoholic father whose only true means of communication was through his thoughtful poetry. (Cue ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’) This may be the reason he seems to despise his detached life “at the end of the world”. Although his aim is deadly accurate, he also has a thoughtful and profound respect for nature and does not relish his responsibility. His visions of his loving wife back home are persistent and he hopes to reunite with her as soon as he can tear himself away from this forsaken place. Director Joe Carnahan skillfully illustrates how dissention in the ranks can affect the cooperative nature in both humans and their fierce four legged foes.
Obvious comparisons will be made to Alive the true story of a South American rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes Mountains. The starving passengers had to resort to the unthinkable in order to survive. Rather than shy away from the comparison, Carnahan celebrates it, even mentioning it by name.
Flannery, a young hotshot rookie, refreshingly interrupts the films’ somber tone. His “greenhorn” status does little to stifle his rock ‘n’ roll attitude. He even resembles Kurt Cobain and never misses an opportunity to stick his foot in his mouth, drawing the ire of his more seasoned his coworkers.
Although definitely not for the faint of heart, it was surprising to see a film portray nature in all it’s fury without having to manufacture some made up creatures or fake scenery.
The Grey goes from zero to six hundred miles an hour and back again right before your eyes. The ridiculous action sequences are surprisingly realistic and the quick pace keeps your eyes glued to the screen even during the film’s slower moments.