The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are an atmospheric phenomenon revered by skywatchers as the ultimate spectacle. These dancing ribbons of light have held humanity’s fascination for centuries. Despite their beauty, the northern lights are born from a violent cosmic event. Energized particles from the sun collide with Earth’s upper atmosphere at staggering speeds, up to 45 million mph (72 million kph). Thankfully, our planet’s magnetic field shields us from the brunt of this assault. Redirected towards the poles by Earth’s magnetic field, these particles give rise to the mesmerizing display of the aurora borealis, capturing the insights of both scientists and observers with its cinematic allure. In the following list we will take a look at some of the movies where the Northern Lights play a significant role in the backdrop of the narrative.
These movies transport viewers to various settings where the aurora borealis serves as a natural phenomenon, adding depth and atmosphere to the stories unfolding on screen. From tales of exploration to heartfelt dramas, these films showcase the beauty and allure of the Northern Lights and why this celestial dance of lights becomes an integral part of the storytelling landscape.
1. The Raven’s Dance (1980)
Director Markku Lehmuskallio presents a poignant film centered around a married couple and an elderly man in a remote Finnish setting. The husband hunts for sustenance rather than sport, using traps, which leads to a confrontation with the authorities.
The symbolism of the forest’s natural cycles is depicted through the fall of an old tree, perhaps echoing the passage of time for the elderly character. The contrast between the simple lives of the protagonists, maintaining ecological balance, and the encroachment of civilization represented by a highway construction crew drives the narrative tension. The Devil’s Dance features the northern lights not as extensively as you’d want, but their presence is always felt in the movie.
2. Frequency (2000)
Frequency, directed by Gregory Hoblit, is primarily set in Queens, New York. The film follows the story of a father and son who are able to communicate with each other across time via an old ham radio. The son, John Sullivan (played by Jim Caviezel), discovers that he can talk to his deceased father, Frank Sullivan (played by Dennis Quaid), who was a firefighter. Through their conversations, they work together to prevent a series of tragic events from occurring in both their timelines.
The northern lights play a significant role in the narrative as they act as a catalyst for the time-travel communication between father and son. The aurora borealis is depicted as a phenomenon that somehow enhances the radio signals, allowing John in 1999 to communicate with his father in 1969. This element adds a mystical and otherworldly aspect to the story, emphasizing the supernatural connection between the two timelines and enhancing the emotional depth of their relationship.
3. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)
Directed by Zacharias Kunuk and based on an Inuit legend, Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner” (2001) is the first feature film to be written, directed, and acted entirely in the Inuktitut language. Shot in the Igloolik region of Nunavut, Canada, the story is set in the ancient past of the Canadian Arctic and follows the life of Atanarjuat (Natar Ungalaaq), a young Inuit hunter who is known for his exceptional speed. Atanarjuat falls in love with Atuat (Sylvia Ivalu), who is already promised to the camp leader’s son, Oki (Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq). This romantic rivalry leads to jealousy and betrayal, culminating in a series of tragic events that force Atanarjuat to flee for his life across the frozen tundra.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, represent the spiritual and mystical elements of Inuit culture. If we go into the idea of why we see the Northern Lights beyond scientific reason, we know that they appear in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. Here, they provide guidance and protection to Atanarjuat on his journey. The lights serve as a visual motif that underscores the connection between the natural world and the spiritual realm, as well as the resilience and determination of the film’s protagonist.
4. Insomnia (2002)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this psychological thriller is primarily shot in British Columbia, Canada, particularly in locations such as Squamish, Vancouver, and the surrounding areas. The story follows the story of a veteran Los Angeles detective, Will Dormer (played by Al Pacino), who is sent to a small Alaskan town to investigate the murder of a teenage girl.
As Dormer becomes increasingly sleep-deprived due to the constant daylight of the Alaskan summer, his mental state begins to deteriorate, leading to a series of moral compromises and ethical dilemmas. Complicating matters further, Dormer accidentally shoots and kills his partner in the foggy Alaskan wilderness while pursuing the suspect.
The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are used symbolically in the film to reflect Dormer’s internal struggle and moral ambiguity. The ever-present daylight and the surreal beauty of the northern lights serve as metaphors for Dormer’s inability to escape the consequences of his actions and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Additionally, the natural beauty of the Alaskan landscape contrasts with the darkness of Dormer’s psyche, further emphasizing the internal conflict he faces throughout the film.
5. The Snow Walker (2003)
based on the short story “Walk Well, My Brother” by Farley Mowat, The Snow Walker is directed by Charles Martin Smith and is primarily shot in the Canadian Arctic, specifically in locations such as Nunavut and Manitoba.
Set in the 1950s, the story follows the journey of Charlie Halliday (Barry Pepper), a cocky bush pilot, and Kanaalaq (Annabella Piugattuk), an Inuk woman, after their plane crashes in the Arctic wilderness. Initially, Charlie is dismissive of Kanaalaq’s survival skills and cultural knowledge. However, as they struggle to survive in the harsh environment, their relationship evolves, and Charlie comes to appreciate Kanaalaq’s wisdom and resilience.
The northern lights serve as a guiding light and source of hope for the characters. When they are lost or in danger, the northern lights appear as a beacon, leading them to safety or providing them with a sense of comfort amidst the isolation of the Arctic wilderness. Symbolically, the northern lights represent the connection between the characters and the spiritual essence of the natural world.
6. The Polar Express (2004)
The movie follows a young boy who embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express, a magical train that only runs on Christmas Eve. Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future), the animated fantasy film is based on the children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg and features the boy’s encounters with various challenges whilst he learns important lessons about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
The northern lights play a key role in The Polar Express as it is a symbol of magic and wonder. As the train travels through the snowy landscapes toward the North Pole, the northern lights shimmer and dance in the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle for the passengers. The lights serve as a visual representation of the enchantment and excitement of the journey, heightening the sense of adventure and adding to the overall magical atmosphere of the film.
7. Aurora Borealis (2005)
Aurora Borealis (2005), directed by James C.E. Burke, is primarily shot in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The film centers around the character of Duncan Shorter (Joshua Jackson), a young man who returns to his hometown of Winnipeg after dropping out of college. He reluctantly takes a job caring for his grandfather, Ronald (Donald Sutherland), who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
The film explores Duncan’s strained relationship with his family, particularly his father and grandfather, as well as his budding romance with a young woman named Kate (Juliette Lewis). As Duncan navigates the challenges of caregiving and reconnecting with his loved ones, he begins to reassess his priorities and find meaning in his life.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, serve as a metaphorical backdrop for the film, representing the beauty and wonder of the natural world as well as the themes of redemption and renewal. Throughout the movie, the northern lights make several appearances, illuminating the night sky with their vibrant colors and mystical aura. They symbolize the possibility of transformation and new beginnings, offering hope and inspiration to the characters as they navigate their own personal struggles and relationships.
8. The Golden Compass (2007)
The Golden Compass, directed by Chris Weitz, is primarily shot in various locations across the United Kingdom, including Oxford, Cornwall, and London. The film is based on the first book, “Northern Lights” (published as “The Golden Compass” in North America), in Philip Pullman’s trilogy “His Dark Materials.”
The story is set in a parallel universe where people’s souls exist outside their bodies in the form of animal companions called daemons. The protagonist, Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards), embarks on a journey to the Arctic to rescue her kidnapped friend Roger and uncover the mystery behind a substance called “Dust.” Along the way, she encounters witches, armored polar bears, and a mysterious organization known as the Magisterium.
Northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, play a significant role as a source of mystical power and knowledge. The northern lights are closely tied to the concept of Dust, a mysterious particle that has profound implications for the nature of consciousness and free will in the story’s universe.
Throughout the film, characters reference the northern lights as a symbol of wonder and magic, and they are depicted as a visible manifestation of the interconnection between different worlds and dimensions. Additionally, the northern lights serve as a plot device, leading Lyra and the other characters to pivotal locations and providing clues to unraveling the mystery at the heart of the story.
9. Far North (2007)
Primarily shot in the Arctic regions of Norway with a camera phone kind of lens, Asif Kapadia’s Far North is based on a short story by Sara Maitland.
The story revolves around two women, Saiva (Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh) and Anja (Michelle Krusiec), who live in a remote cabin in the Arctic wilderness. They lead a solitary existence, surviving off the land and fending off the harsh elements. Their bond is tested when they encounter a wounded stranger, Loki (Sean Bean), who disrupts their isolated life and brings danger to their doorstep.
Northern lights are used as a visual motif to underscore the mystical and otherworldly atmosphere of the Arctic landscape. The lights appear intermittently throughout the film, casting an ethereal glow over the snowy wilderness and adding to the sense of isolation and awe experienced by the characters.
Symbolically, the northern lights represent the beauty and unpredictability of nature, as well as the forces beyond human control that shape the lives of Saiva, Anja, and Loki.
10. Under an Arctic Sky (2017)
The last film on this list, and also the one that only matters, Under an Arctic Sky. The documentary film directed by Chris Burkard was primarily shot in Iceland, particularly along the country’s rugged coastline and remote surf spots.
The doc follows a group of surfers, including professional surfers Sam Hammer, Heidar Logi, and Chris Burkard himself, as they embark on an expedition to Iceland in search of the perfect wave. Their journey takes them to some of the most remote and inhospitable regions of the country, where they brave freezing temperatures, fierce storms, and treacherous conditions in pursuit of their passion for surfing.
Throughout the duration, the northern lights illuminate the night sky with their vibrant colors and ethereal beauty, providing a stunning contrast to the harsh Arctic landscape. The lights serve as a symbol of the awe-inspiring power and majesty of nature, as well as the sense of wonder and adventure that drives the surfers to explore new frontiers and push the limits of their sport.
