A thriller inspired by a real event is the basis for Pioneer, a slow paced captivating drama that will have you biting your finger nails till the haunting ending. The fine cast, crafty direction and brooding cinematography takes the viewer into the depths of The North Sea before launching its ominous conspiracy story. If you like movies that keep you intrigued from start to finish then this film should satisfy.
The film opens with a brief descriptive setting and background of the film about oil deposits found off the shore of Norway in the early 1970’s. The story involves the determination of the government to run an oil pipeline at major depths from the site of a major deposit to shore. It’s an astronomical feat with the cold water and intense pressure affecting the workers so deep in the ocean. The Norwegians with the assistance of the United States are involved in the project that will provide untold wealth to the countries if they can complete the pipeline.
After many attempts to get the right Norwegian divers, Petter (Aksel Hennie) and his brother Knut (Andre Eriksen) along with Jorgen (David A. Jorgensenan) are testing their ability to reach the depths of 500 meters in a special chamber. The three are able to take the grueling pressure at the phenomenal depth and move on to the verification dive at the site off the coast. Dropping the three divers to a special diving bell to a habitat some 350 meters on the floor of the ocean, the men work on getting the special housing secured. That is until something goes mortally wrong with one of the divers.
The film progresses with Petter investigating the reason for the accident. Director Erik Skoldbjærg (Insomnia, Prozac Nation) keeps his story moving at a deliberate slow pace moving his characters around on a conspiracy chess board. He builds suspense at every turn as Petter progresses in his search for the truth. Skoldbjærg’s a thoughtful master showing the affect the tragedy has on several important characters and cunningly revealing small pieces of the puzzle to its surprising finale.
The whole cast does a very good job of depicting the characters involved in the story. As the lead Aksel Hennie gives a stirring performance as the self-appointed investigator into the tragedy below the sea. He shows determination on getting to the bottom of the mystery in the face of life threatening hurdles. With his back to the wall after receiving damaging evidence that could shut down the multibillion dollar project, he delivers the perfect punch.
Pioneer has been rated R by the MPAA for language. The film also contains violence and sexual suggestive material. While it has the feel of a foreign film, the mix of English and Norwegian become easily manageable for the audience. The subtitles are not as frequent as in most foreign films and they stay up on the screen long enough throughout. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Wes Bentley, Aksel Hennie, Stephen Lang, David A. Jorgensenan, Endre Hellestveit, Stephanie Sigman
Directed by: Erik Skoldbjærg
Genre: Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for Language
Running Time: 1 hr 51 min
Release Date: December 5, 2014
Language: English, Norwegian with English Subtitles
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
