On the Ice Poster

On the Ice 2011

★ 6.330 votes96 min📅 2011-12-14

Directed by Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, *On the Ice* (2011) is a gripping thriller-drama set against the stark, icy backdrop of Barrow, Alaska.

Director: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean

Cast

Josiah Patkotak 
Qalli
Frank Qutuq Irelan
Aivaaq
Teddy Kyle Smith
Egasak
Adamina Kerr
Michelle
Sierra Jade Sampson
Uvlu

Frequently Asked Questions

What is On the Ice (2011) about?

*On the Ice* follows two teenage friends in Barrow, Alaska, whose seal-hunting trip takes a dark turn, forcing them to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal accident. The film examines how their bond unravels under pressure as they confront guilt, secrets, and the harsh realities of their environment.

Who directed On the Ice?

Andrew Okpeaha MacLean directed *On the Ice*. Known for his work in indigenous storytelling, MacLean brings a nuanced, authentic perspective to the thriller-drama genre.

Who stars in On the Ice?

The film stars Josiah Patkotak as Qalli, Frank Qutuq Irelan as Aivaaq, alongside Teddy Kyle Smith, Adamina Kerr, and Sierra Jade Sampson in pivotal roles.

Is On the Ice (2011) worth watching?

While it doesn't boast a high IMDb rating, *On the Ice* offers a compelling, atmospheric take on friendship and consequence, elevated by its authentic setting and strong performances. Fans of indie thrillers and indigenous cinema will find it a rewarding, if unsettling, watch.

How long is On the Ice?

*On the Ice* runs for 96 minutes, offering a tight, immersive narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

🎥 Trailer

About On the Ice (2011) — A gripping Alaskan thriller about friendship and consequence

Directed by Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, *On the Ice* (2011) is a gripping thriller-drama set against the stark, icy backdrop of Barrow, Alaska. The story follows best friends Qalli and Aivaaq as their once-unbreakable bond is strained following a seal-hunting excursion that spirals into chaos, forcing them to confront the harsh consequences of their actions. As the tension mounts, the film explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and the unforgiving environment that shapes their community. MacLean crafts an atmospheric narrative that blends quiet character moments with sudden, jarring urgency, immersing viewers in the stark realism of Arctic life.

With a cast led by Josiah Patkotak and Frank Qutuq Irelan, *On the Ice* delivers a raw, emotionally charged experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's deliberate pacing and naturalistic performances draw you into a world where innocence and responsibility collide, making it a standout in modern indigenous cinema.