Watch Ordeal in the Arctic

Ordeal in the Arctic is a dramatic, made-for-TV movie released in 1993 that chronicles the harrowing journey of a group of passengers and crew members, who find themselves stranded in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Canadian Arctic. The film opens with the passengers of a small commuter plane, travelling from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, to a remote mining outpost, situated on the edge of the Arctic Circle. The passengers are a disparate group, including a pair of missionaries, a shell-shocked veteran, and a wealthy businessman, along with the usual assortment of locals and miners.

Despite a turbulent flight, the passengers remain largely untroubled, until the pilot announces that he will need to make an emergency landing, due to a malfunctioning engine. The plane crashes in a desolate, snow-covered expanse, leaving the surviving passengers and crew members to fend for themselves against the elements.

As night falls, the group huddles together for warmth and shelter, but they soon realize that their situation is far worse than they could have imagined. With no rescue crews in sight and limited supplies of food and water, the group must find a way to survive against impossible odds, in temperatures that plummet to forty degrees below zero.

Led by the charismatic but flawed pilot, played by Richard Chamberlain, the group struggles to maintain hope and unity, in the face of the brutal Arctic landscape. Tensions begin to rise, as members of the group clash over dwindling resources and conflicting priorities.

Against this backdrop, the film explores themes of trust, sacrifice, and resilience, as the passengers and crew members struggle to come to terms with their situation and find a way to survive.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Catherine Mary Stewart, who plays a resourceful and determined nurse, tasked with caring for the injured and sick within the group. She provides a steady and reassuring presence, even as her own personal struggles threaten to overwhelm her.

Melanie Mayron is also excellent, in the role of an emotionally damaged woman, who gradually reveals her troubled past and struggles to come to terms with her present circumstances.

Throughout the film, the stunning Arctic landscape is as much a character as any of the actors, providing a striking and unforgiving backdrop to the human drama unfolding onscreen. The desolate wilderness, with its towering snowdrifts and merciless winds, serves as a constant reminder of the group's precarious situation and shrinking chances of survival.

With an unforgettable finale that will leave viewers on edge until the credits roll, Ordeal in the Arctic is a tense and gripping drama that showcases the best and worst of human nature, in the face of extreme circumstances. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a stirring tribute to the power of survival in even the most challenging of situations.

Overall, Ordeal in the Arctic is a must-see film for anyone who enjoys gripping human dramas, breathtaking landscapes, and powerful performances from a talented cast. Whether you're a fan of survival stories or simply looking for a compelling and thought-provoking film, Ordeal in the Arctic is sure to leave a lasting impression.