Mads Mikkelsen, known for his magnetic screen presence and penchant for playing complex, often morally ambiguous characters, steps into the shoes of a grizzled assassin in Polar (2019). Directed by Jonas Åkerlund and based on the graphic novel Polar: Came From the Cold by Victor Santos, this Netflix action thriller is a violent, stylish, and at times absurd journey into the world of hitmen and revenge.
Plot Overview
Mikkelsen plays Duncan Vizla, aka The Black Kaiser, a legendary assassin who is days away from his forced retirement. As part of his company’s policy, assassins are paid a substantial pension upon retirement—unless, of course, they die first. This policy sets the stage for Vizla’s employer to send a colorful yet deadly team of younger assassins to eliminate him before he can claim his pension.
What ensues is a series of over-the-top action sequences, brutal showdowns, and a gradual revelation of Vizla’s humanity, especially in his growing bond with his reclusive neighbor, Camille (Vanessa Hudgens), a character whose subplot adds depth to the film but struggles for balance with the hyper-violent main narrative.
Performance and Character
Mads Mikkelsen delivers a solid performance as Duncan Vizla. As an aging, world-weary assassin, he brings a sense of gravitas to a film that otherwise revels in comic-book absurdity. His portrayal of a killer trying to escape a violent past is nuanced, with moments of vulnerability and quiet intensity that anchor the film. Even when the movie’s tone feels chaotic, Mikkelsen manages to make his character compelling, infusing him with a brooding, almost melancholic edge.
However, the film’s supporting characters, including the eccentric and overly cartoonish gang of younger assassins, often feel out of place. Their over-the-top performances and costumes (a hyper-sexualized femme fatale, a sociopathic leader with an exaggerated personality) make them feel like they belong in a different film. While Polar is clearly attempting to embrace its graphic novel roots, these characters feel like caricatures rather than fully realized antagonists.
Style and Direction
Åkerlund, known for his visually distinct style, turns Polar into an eye-catching, ultra-violent spectacle. The action sequences are frenetic and well-choreographed, especially during the latter half of the film. The stark contrast between the grim, icy landscapes that surround Vizla’s cabin and the neon-drenched scenes of assassination attempts adds a unique aesthetic to the film.
The violence in Polar is unrelenting and at times gratuitous. For some viewers, it may feel excessive or even uncomfortable. The film leans heavily into graphic, gory sequences, reminiscent of other comic-book-inspired action films like John Wick, but without the same level of finesse or underlying emotional depth. The tone can feel jarring as it shifts between moments of quiet reflection and high-octane violence. This imbalance ultimately weakens the impact of the story, which doesn’t quite know how seriously it wants to take itself.
Themes and Depth
Beneath the bloodshed, Polar tries to explore themes of redemption and isolation, particularly through Vizla’s character arc. His desire to retire and escape his violent past is a familiar narrative in assassin movies, but Mikkelsen’s performance elevates these moments, making us sympathize with a man who has spent his life killing but now yearns for peace.
Camille’s subplot, involving her trauma and isolation, adds a potential emotional layer to the film, though it remains underdeveloped. Her interactions with Vizla hint at the possibility of redemption and a new beginning for both characters, but the film’s focus on action leaves little room for this relationship to fully breathe.
Final Thoughts
Polar is a film that will likely divide viewers. Fans of hyper-stylized, blood-soaked action may find it an entertaining ride, while others may feel put off by its tonal inconsistencies and excessive violence. The film attempts to blend dark humor, graphic novel aesthetics, and emotional depth, but struggles to find a cohesive balance between these elements.
Mads Mikkelsen’s strong performance is the highlight, and his portrayal of Duncan Vizla gives the film its heart, even if it’s buried beneath layers of chaos and carnage. Polar is not without its merits, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity—a stylish thriller that could have been much more if it had leaned further into its character-driven moments rather than its penchant for shock value.
Comments are closed.