Film Review: "The Mountain Between Us" (2017).

"What if your life depended on a stranger?" This is The Mountain Between Us. This drama film directed by Hany Abu-Assad, adapted by Chris Weitz and J. Mills Goodloe, and based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Charles Martin. Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must forge a connection to survive the extreme elements of a remote snow covered mountain. When they realize help is not coming, they embark on a perilous journey across hundreds of miles of wilderness, pushing one another to endure and discovering strength they never knew possible.

In January 2012, development on the film began with Gerardo Naranjo and J. Mills Goodloe hired to direct and pen the script. Several actors were attached to star. In March, it was announced that Michael Fassbender was cast. In August, Scott Frank was hired to re-write Goodloe's script. In September 2014, Fassbender dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and was replaced with Charlie Hunnam. Additionally, Margot Robbie was cast. However, by November, Naranjo and Goodloe left the project and were replaced with Abu-Assad and Weitz, who were hired to direct and pen a version of the script. In addition, Robbie dropped out and was replaced with Rosamund Pike. However, in December 2015, both Hunnam and Pike dropped out. In February 2016, Idris Elba was ultimately cast. In June, Kate Winslet was ultimately cast. By early December, Dermot Mulroney, and Beau Bridges were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in late February 2017. Filming took place in Invermere and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Abu-Assad has described the locations as having very cold temperatures, and tough and harsh filming conditions. Many scenes were shot on a mountaintop, and he and the crew had to drive 40 minutes before reaching the film's base camp. When the weather was okay, they could board the helicopter to reach their destination along with their supplies.

The film stars Elba, Winslet, Mulroney, and Bridges. Thanks to the great performances given by the cast, especially Elba and Winslet, the film is a well-crafted one with convincing effects that brings home a powerful story of survival and connection. Ultimately highlights the power of one's hope and will to survive, with Elba and Winslet's failing to weaken at any moment; these are powerful, dedicated performances - one that stands as an enactment so strong, it's worth the price of admission alone. Elba has an easy-going lovable charm and Winslet really impresses.

The film is a solid, midrange picture of the type that is increasingly rare. It's star-driven, suspenseful, and just plain gorgeous to look at. The production could have fallen into the trap of being another run-of-the-mill feature about a love story. But, Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad shook things up a bit with more of an indie art-house style. A stirring tale, well told with two lead performances that carry the audience through the narrative ebbs and flows. The connection development is just OK for me, but the actual disaster grabs your attention.

Simon says The Mountain Between Us receives:

Also, see my review for The Idol.