The Lovers of the Arctic Circle

Written and directed by Julio Medem, The Lovers of the Arctic Circle details the decades-spanning relationship between Ana and Otto and the myriad of coincidences that ultimately link them together. Filmmaker Medem delivers an exceedingly languid production that’s been filtered through an unabashed art-house sensibility, which ensures, certainly, that large swaths of The Lovers of the Arctic Circle aren’t quite as wholeheartedly engrossing or captivating as one might’ve hoped – and yet it’s equally apparent that the picture remains quite watchable for the duration of its decidedly overlong running time. There’s little doubt that the film benefits substantially from the narrative’s appealingly puzzle-like structure, as Medem’s stylish approach to his own script generally proves rather difficult to resist – although, by that same token, the degree to which the movie meanders ultimately dulls the emotional resonance of several key sequences. (Otto and Ana’s lengthy separation in the film’s second half does nothing to alleviate the somewhat arms-length atmosphere.) The end result is an impressively distinctive piece of work that undoubtedly boasts plenty of attributes worth embracing, but it’s impossible, finally, not to wish that Medem had crafted a more accessible story designed to capture and sustain the viewer’s interest.

**1/2 out of ****