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"Pioneer" is a Norwegian thriller film released in 2013. The story follows the 1980s oil boom in Norway and the risks associated with deep-sea diving and drilling. The protagonist, Petter (Aksel Hennie), is a skilled and experienced diving specialist who works for a company that is commissioned to carry out underwater work on an important pipeline. Along with his brother Knut (André Eriksen), they embark on a mission which becomes increasingly risky as they venture deeper into the ocean floor.

The tension in the movie intensifies as Petter's dangerous job leads to the tragic death of his brother, which he suspects is not entirely an accident. As Petter begins to investigate what exactly happened, he is met with a wall of silence from his colleagues and superiors, including the tough-talking American, Mike (Wes Bentley). The cover-up seems to run deep, with even the authorities refusing to cooperate with Petter.

As Petter delves deeper into the investigation, he becomes embroiled in a political conspiracy that threatens not only his life but the lives of his loved ones. The more he uncovers, the more he realizes that anyone who knows too much or tries to expose the truth is at risk. The film ultimately raises ethical and moral dilemmas about the price of progress and the sacrifices made to achieve it.

The movie's pacing is slow yet deliberate, but it gradually builds up the tension so that the audience is left holding its breath in the final climactic scenes. The cinematography is stunning, with long underwater shots and low-lit scenes that perfectly match the mood of the movie. The soundtrack too is outstanding, with a haunting quality that adds depth to the story.

The film's strongest point is its cast, particularly Aksel Hennie's performance, who carries the weight of the movie. He brilliantly conveys the pain and anguish of his character, who is struggling to cope with both the loss of his brother and the realization that he has been betrayed. Wes Bentley also gives a convincing performance as the tough, no-nonsense American who has his own motives for keeping the truth under wraps.

Another notable character is played by Stephen Lang, who portrays Ferris, a government official working on the oil production project. He has a dark history and seems to be involved in Petter's investigation in some manner. While his character may not have a lot of screen time, Lang manages to make a lasting impression in his few scenes.

The film raises questions about the nature of humanity's thirst for progress and the need for ethical considerations. While it is set in Norway during the 1980s oil boom, it mirrors issues faced by many developing nations today. The politics at play and the ruthless actions of those in power resonate with viewers who can relate to similar issues faced in their countries.

Overall, "Pioneer" is an excellent movie that packs enough drama, suspense, and action to keep audiences hooked. While the storyline may be slow to unravel, it is worth the wait as it picks up momentum in the second half. The movie is an excellent example of Nordic Noir, the rise of the thriller genre that originates from Scandinavia, and it stands out as a must-see film for fans of the genre.

Pioneer is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 58.