Long Way North

In the 19th century, renowned explorer Oloukine sets off on a daring journey to the North Pole aboard the icebreaker named Davaï. Funded by the Tsar of Russia, this expedition aims to explore the uncharted territories of the Arctic, showcasing Oloukine's pioneering spirit and ambition.

Years of silence pass after Oloukine’s expedition, and the Tsar announces that the Davaï is lost with all crew members aboard. He offers a generous reward of 1 million rubles for any information that can reveal the vessel's final fate, igniting hopes and speculations across the nation.

On her 15th birthday, Sasha is excited to celebrate her debutante ball, but instead of joy, she experiences a profound sense of longing for her grandfather's legacy. During the festivities, she sneaks into a new library wing dedicated to Oloukine but overhears Prince Tomsky’s disparaging remarks regarding her grandfather’s disappearance.

At the ball, Sasha bravely confronts Tomsky about her grandfather’s notes, which contradict the official narrative regarding the expedition’s route. Instead of support, she faces ridicule, and the atmosphere turns hostile, isolating her and her family even further.

Feeling the weight of her family's declining reputation, primarily due to Tomsky’s machinations, Sasha resolves to restore their honor. This determination leads her to run away from home, embarking on a quest that will take her to the northern seas in search of the Davaï.

Sasha finds the vessel Norge, equipped with a reinforced hull capable of navigating the challenging Arctic waters. Despite her initial intent to embark, she faces a setback as the ship sets sail without her, forcing her to wait and work at a local tavern.

Upon the return of the Norge, Sasha seizes the moment to present her grandfather's findings to Captain Lund. She persuades him about her potential to locate the Davaï, convincing him to let her join the crew in pursuit of the Tsar’s lucrative prize.

As they journey into the unforgiving Arctic, the crew initially embraces Sasha as a valuable member. However, as misfortunes befall them and rations run low, the camaraderie begins to erode, leading to increasing tension and blame directed towards Sasha.

While fighting through a harsh blizzard, Sasha becomes separated from the crew but is guided by her husky companion to a frozen site where she discovers the remains of her grandfather. This emotional moment brings her a deep sense of connection to Oloukine and his adventurous spirit.

Sasha retrieves her grandfather’s logbook from the frozen site, revealing critical coordinates and insights about his abandoned quest for the North Pole. This discovery not only validates her own journey but also strengthens her resolve to bring honor back to her family.

Using the coordinates from Oloukine's log, Sasha guides Captain Lund and the crew to the location of the Davaï. They work together to use dynamite to free the vessel, successfully bringing it back to the surface and fulfilling a significant part of her grandfather's dream.

As the Davaï triumphantly returns to Saint Petersburg, the crew is celebrated for their bravery and Sasha’s legacy is acknowledged. The public shame of Tomsky unfolds as Sasha's efforts validate her grandfather's accomplishments and correct the historical narrative.

Sasha experiences an emotional reunion with her father, who finally understands and appreciates her courage and dedication to restoring their family's honor. This moment signifies a new beginning and reconciliation within their family as they embrace the explorer's legacy.

In a poignant post-credits scene, the flag planted by Oloukine at the North Pole flutters in the polar breeze. This imagery symbolizes his enduring spirit and legacy, showcasing the impact he left behind despite the challenges faced during his exploration.