★ 10 / 10
Amazing
singinangellovecp
So good! Related so much to true life! The I lovbeginning until the end takes you on journey and the beautifu landscapes it's beautiful. The must see this was…
So good! Related so much to true life! The I lovbeginning until the end takes you on journey and the beautifu landscapes it's beautiful. The must see this was a tearjerker and I must say reminded me of one of the best independent films ever! Then tribe in this movie was amazing movies actors and chactyaes are amazing.
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★ 2 / 10
If you're REALLY bored,
pinkpedalpushers
It's okay background noise while you do something else.The audio is terrible, especially when the actors are in large, echoing rooms. A lot of the acting is…
It's okay background noise while you do something else.The audio is terrible, especially when the actors are in large, echoing rooms. A lot of the acting is stilted, though the main character does as well as she can with the screenplay.There's a little of everything in this movie - gaslighting, Covid denial, misogyny, toxic masculinity and toxic family relationships (plus littering in the woods). If you miss your dysfunctional family, this might be the ticket to keep you from re-connecting. And there's no humor to speak of to lighten the mood.
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★ 1 / 10
Rough transition
TheMovieSearch
Next to North Pole aims to deliver a cozy, romantic holiday experience, but unfortunately it struggles to find its footing almost immediately. While the…
Next to North Pole aims to deliver a cozy, romantic holiday experience, but unfortunately it struggles to find its footing almost immediately. While the premise suggests a familiar and comforting Christmas story, the execution makes it surprisingly difficult to stay engaged. From the start, the film lacks the warmth and charm typically associated with holiday romances, resulting in a viewing experience that feels more laborious than festive.The screenplay is the film's weakest element and the primary reason it never fully comes together. The dialogue feels underwritten and uninspired, giving scenes little momentum or emotional payoff. Rather than leaning into the Hallmark-style formula that audiences often find comforting, the script feels oddly bland and disconnected, as if it's unsure whether it wants to be heartfelt, whimsical, or dramatic. This uncertainty drains the story of its energy and makes it hard to invest in what's happening.The cast itself is serviceable, but their performances are clearly held back by the material they're given. There's nothing particularly wrong with the acting, yet nothing stands out either. Characters feel thinly developed, lacking the depth or relatability needed to make their arcs compelling. Because the script doesn't allow the characters to breathe or evolve naturally, even potentially emotional moments fall flat.Direction is another area where the film falters. The movie feels unfocused, as if the director struggled to find a clear tonal or narrative vision. Scenes move along without purpose, and transitions lack flow, giving the impression that the story is simply trudging forward rather than building toward anything meaningful. The emotional beats that should anchor the film never quite land, leaving the overall experience feeling hollow.Visually, Next to North Pole is passable but forgettable. The cinematography doesn't take advantage of the holiday setting to create a sense of magic or seasonal warmth. Christmas films often thrive on atmosphere, but here the visuals feel flat and unremarkable, missing an opportunity to elevate the story through festive imagery or creative framing.Ultimately, Next to North Pole feels like a film that needed significant reworking before reaching audiences. With a stronger screenplay, clearer direction, and more engaging character dynamics, it might have been an enjoyable seasonal entry. As it stands, it feels like a project that never fully came together, resulting in a holiday film that lacks heart, charm, and the emotional pull necessary to leave a lasting impression.
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69%
AUDIENCE
5.3/10
76
