Review: The North Water (2021) – Brutal, Beautiful, and Hauntingly Human

The North Water is a chilling and visceral miniseries that plunges viewers into the unforgiving Arctic ice, revealing both the cruelty of nature and the savagery of man. Adapted from Ian McGuire’s novel and brought to life by director Andrew Haigh, this five-part series is a slow-burn masterpiece that rewards patient viewers with staggering performances and haunting imagery.

Colin Farrell gives one of his most physically transformative performances as Henry Drax, a harpooner whose brutal instincts and moral decay make him a terrifying presence aboard a 19th-century whaling ship. Opposite him is Jack O’Connell as Patrick Sumner, an ex-army surgeon seeking redemption—or perhaps escape—by signing up for the doomed voyage.

The series thrives on atmosphere. The cinematography, filmed in real Arctic locations, is nothing short of breathtaking. Bleak, icy landscapes stretch endlessly, dwarfing the desperate men who cross them. The authenticity of the environment adds weight to the characters’ struggle for survival, blurring the line between man and beast.

Haigh’s direction is deliberate and contemplative. There are moments of startling violence, but also stretches of meditative quiet that allow the existential dread to settle in. The pacing won’t be for everyone—this is not a typical adventure tale, but rather a psychological descent into darkness.

The North Water isn’t just about survival in the wilderness; it’s about the wilderness within. It’s not always an easy watch, but it’s an unforgettable one. Brutal, beautiful, and brilliantly acted, it’s a rare series that sticks with you long after the ice has melted.