The human against nature conflict is external struggle positioning the character against the elements. Jack London and Ernest Hemingway crafted some of their most lauded works around the conflict, which has always appeared difficult to translate into cinematic mediums. The survival genre, at least in recent years, typically borrows from real life stories and pits a protagonist against non-human foe, providing great opportunity for actors and filmmakers but less-so when it comes to marketing and box office success. Generally, an audience will seek out the genre, tolerate it, or avoid it entirely. While I love horror, the stories seldom haunt me. Confronting a tidal wave or falling into the void of a mountain? Well, nature absolutely terrifies me. As such, I for one have always been drawn to survival films. Adrift, the 2018 lost-at-sea survival drama starring Shailene Woodley as Tami Oldham, was a top 10 film for the year. Therefore, I obviously was excited to see another talented actress (this time Naomi Watts) take on a true survival story against the elements.
Pam Bales opens the film awakening to an overwhelming silence. The outside winds are heard pushing against her New Hampshire cottage as she brushes her teeth as water drips over a pre-set mound of instant coffee in the kitchen. Much of the first third of Infinite Storm is set in a determined silence, only broken during short interactions and the occasional self-discussion. Screenwriter Joshua Rollins uses dialogue sparingly, yet purposefully to layer a story simply reinforced by emotional connections to self, nature, and stranger. As Bales is determined to summit Mt. Washington, even as a storm is predicted to pass through later in the day, she reminds a dissuading friend that she has to as it is an "anniversary" of sorts. The context clues are there and, no, it isn't surprising or shocking once her backstory is fully revealed later in the film (nor does it need to be). As Bales ascends into the mountain and a worsening storm, she hears intermittent howls. It could be the wind, but sounds like a person. Bales will have to muster the will to save herself and then an unwilling stranger.
While tight, to the point, and perhaps predictable, director Malgorzata Szumowska crafts a distinctly directed film. During a time when uninspired, undershot, and barely-directed films win top prizes, the bold choices Szumowska and her technical team execute create such an enjoyable theatrical outing. The color hues, framing, and selective use of sound and music impressively anchor the film in its identity, temporarily relieving Naomi Watts' burden of carrying a film almost entirely solo (which she very effectively accomplishes). Infinite Storm may not have the shock value or warmth to revel in any staying power, but the film is a worthy portrayal of survival, loss, and perseverance infused with strong performances, both in front of and behind the camera.
Rating: 7.25/10