Antarctica

The timeline spans a brutal Antarctic winter and its aftermath. The crew travels by icebreaker Sōya, but the base remains unmanned after the First Cross-Winter Expedition retreats. Scarcity of food and fuel forces hard choices as the dogs fight for survival.

Antarctica serves as the remote stage for the film, centering on the Showa Base during the Second Cross-Winter Expedition. The icebound landscape and isolated base define the tense mission and the crew's struggle to hand over duties. The freezing conditions and limited supplies push the story toward survival and the fate of the sled dogs.

❄️ Survival

The narrative centers on endurance against the brutal cold, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of the environment. The crew and dogs must improvise to find food, water, and shelter in a landscape built to erase the faint of heart. Every decision carries weight when life hinges on a fragile balance with nature. Survival becomes a measure of character as much as of luck.

🐕 Dog-Human Bond

The sled dogs are not just tools but integral companions whose fate mirrors the humans who care for them. Loyalty and courage emerge as dogs break free, endure, and sometimes sacrifice themselves for their pack. The relationship between handlers and animals underscores themes of trust and mutual resilience. The dogs’ struggle anchors the emotional core of the story.

🧭 Isolation

The base sits in a remote, wind-swept void where communication and help are distant. The characters grapple with loneliness, uncertainty, and the fear of being forgotten by the outside world. Isolation heightens the moral and logistical complexities of survival, forcing personal and collective reckoning. The setting itself becomes a character in the drama.

🏔️ Harsh Environment

The Antarctic winter tests endurance through extreme weather, perilous ice, and scarce resources. Weather delays, fuel shortages, and the threat of hypothermia shape every choice. The unforgiving landscape amplifies the stakes of the expedition and the unpredictability of outcomes. The environment constantly demands respect and prudent calculation.