Infinite Storm Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

Infinite Storm Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman July 10, 2023

There's an external simplicity to Infinite Storm that parallels an inner complexity. Certainly the two do not always co-exist quite as well as they should, but here is a streamlined, occasionally compelling, but ultimately not-quite-there story of survival of the body and the soul. The film's external simplicity is defined by what is a fairly quiet -- quiet in terms of a general absence of meaningful dialogue -- story of the human will's fight to live against nature's fury. Writer Josh Rollins and Directors Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert attempt to complement this with a look at past trauma and how that trauma continues to impact the main character and drive the story forward in the present. While based on a true story, the latter doesn't make as much of a lasting impact on the film as does the front-and-center externalities, but even if it's a little uneven and at times unwieldy, here is a film well worth a watch for its excellent depiction of the raw human instinct to fight and survive in some of the worst conditions this world has to offer.

As an experienced climber (Naomi Watts) ascends Mt. Washington, she turns back before she reaches the summit as a huge blizzard approaches. But on her way down, she encounters a lone, stranded man, and takes it upon herself to get them both down the mountain before nightfall arrives and they succumb to the storm. Based on a true story.

Much of the film's beauty lies in its simplicity. The story is fundamentally basic and straightforward: it's a man vs. nature showdown with life and death consequences. The story finds its complication when Pam, played by a wonderful Naomi Watts, is forced to reorient her trek away from a horrific storm in order to save a man who she finds near death in the elements. She is prepared to help, but his physical deterioration and questionable mental state greatly complicate the rescue attempt. The film follows their efforts to survive: more than just a difficult walk through a harsh climate, the film is ultimately more concerned with the internalization of the process. Parts of the film center on past tragedy in Pam's life which is gradually revealed in flashback. This is character development and necessary to a degree, but the film is at its best when it's focused on the current predicament rather than past events.

One of the movie's best assets, outside of Watts' performance, is the absolute immersion into the blustery winds, chilling ice, and frigid snow. There is not a shot during the storm that is not utterly convincing with the blend of sight and sound. The terrain and the treachery that is born from navigating through it comes to life with chilling (literally and figuratively) authenticity and the complementary sound design effortlessly sells the visuals with swirling, icy winds portending a constant sense of danger and death in every frame.

The film is more Everest and not really Cliffhanger. Survival, not action, take center stage, but there are still several scenes of great intensity as death hangs ominously over Pam and John during their trek. Various trials await because of the storm and independent of the storm, but the battle rages as much inside as the will to survive becomes as much of an issue as the work needed to survive. The movie is very well done, and the focus on narrative drive rather than empty dialogue, the focus on the survival and not so much the characters, is where the movie thrives. The backstory elements almost seem to weigh it down and distract. It's important to a point, but the intercutting flashback structure oftentimes disarms the high intensity of the core content.

Infinite Storm Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

This Blu-ray release of Infinite Storm looks just fine, though it's not the sort of transfer with any real memorable qualities or characteristics to it. The image presents with more than adequate definition. The material does not lend itself to visual complexity and eye candy with snow the prevailing element through much of the film, but where applicable it's very clearly defined, especially if it's been moved or trampled. Additional nature elements, such as trees, water, and ice, are presented with commendable clarity. Noise is kept to a minimum. Color expression is fine, especially vivid snowy whites, but also various splashes of color on clothes, natural greens, or the high visibility orange tape Pam is seen using in the film. Flesh tones look fine and black levels are solid enough. The image offers no immediately concerning compression related issues, either.

Infinite Storm Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Infinite Storm blows onto Blu-ray with an infinitely enjoyable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The presentation offers natural immersion into the elements, with, of course, the chilling, blustery winds the highlight. The stage is often fully saturated in the extreme weather conditions, with cold winds filling every inch and effortlessly dropping the listener into the middle of the storm. And considering some of the wonderfully realized effects beyond the wind, such as a raging river or less intense natural elements, the track does a fantastic job of recreating the frighting world in which the characters attempt to escape. Additional components are nicely integrated, especially for clarity and front width. Dialogue is clear and well prioritized even in competition with the high intensity wind It is center positioned for the duration.

Infinite Storm Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of Infinite Storm contains only one supplement: the film's Trailer (1080p, 2:03). No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does ship with a non-embossed slipcover.

Infinite Storm Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Infinite Storm is a solid movie that distracts itself with flashbacks that are not unnecessary but rather that are unnecessarily interspersed with the meat and potatoes. These scenes slow the film down. The core content is compelling enough to pick back up rather quickly, but the transitions are somewhat jarring and, as structured and scripted, fail to add enough depth that truly amplifies the content. The core here is very good, as is Watts in a very solid performance. Like so many movies, Infinite Storm included, one could say that it "could have been better, could have been worse," but it's well worth a watch as-is. The Blu-ray is near featureless, which is a shame, but the video and audio presentations are very good. Recommended.