PLOT - When two strangers find that their flights leaving Idaho have been canceled due to an impending snow storm, they decide to charter a plane to Colorado. The pilot suffers a stroke mid-flight and dies when the plane crash lands in a mountain range. Alex, a photo-journalist (Kate Winslet) and brain-surgeon Ben (Idris Elba) both survive, but they must figure out a way to work together to stay alive in an isolated terrain.
LIKE- My first like happened when I saw the trailer. The team behind The Mountain Between Us, very wisely added the statement "Spoiler Alert: The Dog Lives." to put at easy any animal lovers in the audience. The dog refers to a very adorable lab who belongs to Walter (Beau Bridges), the charter plane pilot. The dog is brought along on the flight and not only does he survive, but the dog is an important character in the story. Who doesn't love a movie with an lovable dog?
Alex goes with her gut and can be impulsive. Ben is reserved and carefully considers every move. This sets up a strong dynamic for two characters who must rely on each other and make bold moves to survive.
I knew that this was a survival film, but I had no idea that it was also a love story. Winslet and Elba have amazing chemistry. I read that other actors were initially cast in the roles and dropped out, but having seen The Mountain Between Us, I can't imagine any other actors playing Alex and Ben. What's interesting is how the film shifts from a survival story to a love story without dropping the intensity and tension. The Mountain Between Us kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I was fully invested in the characters: the acting, pacing, writing, et...all of it was in perfect balance. Also, the element of surprise is strong.
I left the theater feeling rather stunned from what I had experienced. Stunned in the best possible sense.
DISLIKE- Nothing. The Mountain Between Us is one of the best films that I've seen in 2017. I will be surprised if it doesn't pop up during award season.
RECOMMEND- Yes. The Mountain Between Us is intense and beautiful. The gorgeous cinematography is a good reason to catch it on the big screen.