The streaming renaissance often breathes new life back to older films, and this has certainly been the case for The Mountain Between Us, which has captured viewer attention once again on Netflix. This 2017 film stars Kate Winslet and Idris Elba, who portray two survivors of a tragic plane crash, and it has recently surged up the streamer's international charts, landing at #4 among various new titles.
A little about the plot: The Mountain Between Us begins dramatically when neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Bass (Idris Elba) and photojournalist Alex Martin (Kate Winslet) find their flight canceled due to severe weather. With urgent obligations—Ben must perform emergency surgery and Alex has to reach her wedding—they decide to hire a private pilot. Unfortunately, after take-off, the pilot, Walter (Beau Bridges), suffers a stroke, leading to their plane crashing atop a snowy mountain. This distressing turn of events sets the stage for their harrowing fight for survival.
It’s easy to see why audiences are drawn to this intense survival story. The circumstances force viewers to contemplate how they might respond to such extreme challenges. Watching Alex and Ben navigate their perilous situation echoes the human instinct for survival and companionship, themes many can connect with. The visuals of breathtaking but treacherous snowy landscapes only heighten the film's tension.
Despite its gripping narrative, The Mountain Between Us did not fare well with critics upon its release. It holds a mere 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics like Simran Hans from The Guardian described the film as "inadvertently hilarious" and noted how, even with life-and-death stakes, the film's tension often felt misplaced, stating, "the stakes feel low.” Susan Wloszczyna of RogerEbert.com offered it 2 out of 4 stars, calling it "a high-altitude soap opera, woozy with overly telegraphed peril."
These critiques highlight the dichotomy between viewer reception and professional reviews. While many audience members are enjoying the film's storyline and emotional engagement, critics point out perceived deficiencies, particularly concerning the chemistry between the leads and the overall execution of the plot. This raises interesting questions about how personal expectations can influence one's viewing experience.
Though the film is not currently available for streaming within the U.S., it can be rented or purchased through Amazon. With awards season approaching, some speculate whether this renewed interest might rekindle discussions around The Mountain Between Us and its potential worth considering for various accolades, depending on how the broader audience continues to respond to it.
Winslet has garnered significant acclaim for her work, and her portrayal of Alex Martin, admittedly facing uphill challenges, adds another layer to her diverse film career. Her portrayal resonates strongly even against the backdrop of critique, showcasing her ability to engage with complex narratives. This film, which initially struggled to leave its mark, proves yet again the unpredictable nature of cinema—one viewer's discarded fluke can become another's favorite inspiration. The discussion surrounding it highlights how streaming platforms reshape perspectives on films, allowing newer audiences to redefine their cultural significance.