Hold the Dark

Mysterious thriller about wolf attacks in Alaska

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About Hold the Dark

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 2h 5m

Cast
Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgård, James Badge Dale, Riley Keough, Julian Black Antelope, Tantoo Cardinal, Macon Blair, Jonathan Whitesell, Peter McRobbie

About Hold the Dark

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About

Hold the Dark is an action and adventure film released in 2018. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier and based on the novel of the same name by William Giraldi, it tells the story of a wildlife biologist, Russell Core, who is called to a remote village in Alaska to help track down a pack of wolves believed to have taken a young boy. As Core delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers dark secrets and becomes involved in a violent and intense battle for survival. The film delves into themes of nature, violence, and the primal instincts that lie within human beings. It is a dark and atmospheric thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its intense action sequences and thought-provoking story.

Making / Production

Hold the Dark was filmed on location in Alberta, Canada, standing in for the Alaskan wilderness. The film's director, Jeremy Saulnier, is known for his distinctive visual style, which highlights the harsh and isolating environment. The production team worked closely with locals to accurately capture the rugged landscapes and remote feel of the Alaskan wilderness. The film features stunning cinematography by Magnus Nordenhof Jønck, who expertly captures the beauty and brutality of the natural environment. The use of lighting and framing enhances the atmospheric and tense tone of the film.

Actors

The film features a talented ensemble cast, with standout performances from the following actors: - Jeffrey Wright as Russell Core: Wright portrays the wildlife biologist called to investigate the mysterious wolf attacks. He delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as a man haunted by his own past. - Alexander Skarsgård as Vernon Slone: Skarsgård plays a soldier who returns home from war to find his son missing. He brings a brooding intensity to his role, capturing the character's complexity and internal struggle. - James Badge Dale as Donald Marium: Dale portrays a local police officer who assists Russell Core in his investigation. He delivers a strong and grounded performance, providing a counterbalance to the film's more mysterious elements.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

- Hold the Dark marks director Jeremy Saulnier's first collaboration with actor Jeffrey Wright. - The film's script was adapted from the novel of the same name by William Giraldi, who praised the faithful and atmospheric adaptation. - To prepare for their roles, both Alexander Skarsgård and James Badge Dale spent time in Alaska to immerse themselves in the remote environment.

Awards

Hold the Dark has received critical acclaim, although it did not receive any major awards.

Quotes

- "The wilderness tests constantly. Its brutality erodes even the best intentions." - Russell Core - "No one's unbreakable." - Vernon Slone

Music

The film's score was composed by Brooke Blair and Will Blair. It complements the tense and atmospheric nature of the film, featuring haunting melodies and driving rhythms that heighten the suspense.

Soundtrack

The official soundtrack for Hold the Dark features a selection of songs that further contribute to the film's dark and mysterious atmosphere. The soundtrack includes tracks such as: - "Sheep Lieutenant" by Brooke Blair and Will Blair - "So That We Can Hunt Together" by Brooke Blair and Will Blair - "Core Comes to Alpha" by Brooke Blair and Will Blair Overall, Hold the Dark is an intense and thought-provoking action and adventure film that explores the primal nature of humanity within a stunning and harsh wilderness setting. The film's gripping plot, compelling performances, and atmospheric visuals make it a standout entry in the genre.