Watch On the Ice

On the Ice is a 2011 independent film directed by Andrew Okpeaha MacLean. It takes place in the small Inupiaq village of Barrow, Alaska, where two teenage boys, Qalli (Josiah Patkotak) and Aivaaq (Frank Qutuq Irelan), bond over their love of hunting and the Arctic landscape. But their friendship is tested when a tragic accident occurs during a hunting trip, and they must navigate the difficult consequences that follow.

The film begins by introducing us to the remote, isolated community of Barrow, where everyone knows each other and daily life is defined by the extreme climate and the traditions of the Inupiaq people. Qalli, a quiet but confident boy, dreams of moving away from the village to study marine biology. Aivaaq, on the other hand, seems content to stay in Barrow and continue living off the land as his ancestors have for generations.

As the film unfolds, we see the boys' friendship deepen as they hunt for seals, ride snowmobiles across the tundra, and joke around with their friends. But their idyllic summer days come to an abrupt end when they accidentally kill a man during a late-night drinking session. In a moment of panic, they decide to cover up the crime and dispose of the body in the ice.

What follows is a gripping psychological drama as Qalli and Aivaaq struggle to keep their secret from the authorities, their families, and their community. The tension builds as they begin to crack under the pressure, and the guilt and fear of being caught start to tear them apart. Meanwhile, a third friend named James (John Miller) begins to suspect that something is amiss and starts asking questions.

The film is beautifully shot, with sweeping vistas of the Arctic landscape and intimate moments between the three boys. Okpeaha MacLean, who grew up in Barrow and is himself Inupiaq, brings an authenticity and sensitivity to the story that adds to its emotional weight. He also deftly explores the themes of identity, tradition, and the consequences of choices made in moments of desperation.

The performances from the three leads are exceptional, particularly Patkotak and Irelan, who bring a natural chemistry and vulnerability to their roles. As the pressure mounts, their friendship becomes strained, and they start to turn on each other. Miller is also excellent as the outsider who begins to unravel the mystery of what really happened that night.

On the Ice is a compelling drama that explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of our actions. It is a quiet but powerful film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Highly recommended.

On the Ice is a 2011 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 59.