Movie review: "The Last Winter" (2006)

The gist: In the remote Arctic, company man Ed Pollack (Ron Perlman) leads an investigation into the feasibility of drilling for oil and piping it back to The States. But when weather conditions and team members begin going loopy, environmental advisor James Hoffman (James Legros) urges Ed to abandon the project.

Selling points: Slow-build psychological horror fuelled by eco concerns, physical and mental isolation, and nature turning nasty. Stunning landscapes filmed in Alaska and Iceland. A painfully close-quarters love triangle between Ed, James and Abbie Sellers (Connie Britton).

It's kinda like: "The Thing", "The Shining" and "The Happening", but not to be confused with terrific Aussie rugby league drama "The Final Winter". Before you rush out to hire it, be aware: the setting *is* the horror. For that reason, critics are divided as to whether it succeeds as a sustained mood piece or is ruined by a "nothing" ending.

Final word: Polarising.

[Australian DVD release dates: August 26 (rental), December 4 (retail)]