Survival on the Sea: Iceland’s First Feature Film

A new adventure film from Iceland is set to hit the world stage at Cannes. The movie, called “Dark Ocean, ” tells the story of a young deckhand who joins his first fishing trip in the harsh North Atlantic. The crew faces relentless weather and the constant pressure to keep their lives afloat. The story is written by Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, a playwright who helped start the theatre and music group Hatari. He teamed up with director Baldvin Z, known for TV series like “Black Sands” and the Netflix show “Case. ” Together they crafted a tense drama that keeps audiences on edge. The film also has backing from producer Guðgeir “Gucci” Arngrímsson, who worked on films such as “Albatross. ” A Canadian company, Terminal City Pictures, joined the project to help bring it worldwide. The cast includes some familiar faces from Icelandic and international TV. Baltasar Kormákur, who directed “Beast” and “Everest, ” plays a key role. Other actors are Ólafur Darri Ólafsson from “Severance, ” Þorsteinn Bachmann who appeared in “True Detective, ” and Thorvaldur Kristjansson from “The Minister. ” Their experience adds depth to the tight, sea‑bound setting.Glassriver, a leading TV studio in Iceland that produced half of the country’s scripted series in 2023, is making a big shift with this film. The company has been busy with shows like “Hot Stuff, ” a joint effort with Romania, and the crime series “Elma. ” The move to feature film is seen as a way to reach audiences beyond Iceland. Rocket Science, a company known for high‑energy dramas, has taken on the task of selling “Dark Ocean” worldwide. They plan to launch the film at Cannes, where they will also showcase other titles like “Cliffhanger” and a new Vin Diesel movie. The partnership is expected to generate buzz and attract viewers who love intense, survival stories. The film’s release at Cannes marks a milestone for Icelandic cinema. It shows that the country can produce gripping, globally appealing movies while staying true to its rugged maritime roots.