Review: 'Infinite Storm' Explores Resiliency and Grief with Beautiful Cinematography

Survival films fascinate me: People tackling treacherous circumstances in the wilderness, often confronting their own emotional demons. Hiking offers a therapeutic excursion I treasure, alone with your thoughts while observing nature.

Based on a true story, "Infinite Storm" stars Naomi Watts as the real-life Pam Bales, an experienced hiker, former nurse, and volunteer first responder caught in a blizzard. In the film, she, too, compares hiking to therapy.

Malgorzata Szumowska directed (she also directed "The Other Lamb," a fantastic, evocative, and visually striking horror film), with stunning cinematography by Michal Englert, who also co-directed. The two frequently collaborate ("Never Gonna Snow Again," "Body," and "The Other Lamb"). Joshua Rollins wrote the screenplay, which is based on Ty Gagne's 2019 article "High Places: Footprints in the Snow Lead to an Emotional Rescue."

"Infinite Storm" opens with close-ups on hiking boots, a pickaxe, backpack, and map of the White Mountains in New Hampshire (although the film was actually shot in the Alps in Slovenia). Pam (Naomi Watts) awakens early to go hiking. Her hike up Mount Washington begins as warm and tranquil, yet ominous storm clouds gather in the distance. Ascending, Pam gets caught in a deadly blizzard. Amidst howling winds and vision-obscuring snow, she turns back.

Following footprints in the snow, Pam finds a man (Billy Howle) who's dressed for summer weather and ill-equipped for hiking; he's suffering from hypothermia. She removes his wet clothes, replacing them with extra clothing from her backpack. The man – whom she names John – obstinately walks the wrong way, falls down, and screams he can't go on, telling her to leave him. But Pam refuses to give up.

Unfortunately, Naomi Watts's lackluster performance isn't strong enough to carry the film. While good in films such as "Mulholland Drive" and "The Ring," she's not very expressive or emotive here. The filmmakers probably wanted to amplify tension, but even knowing rudimentary facets of hiking, certain elements make Pam seem needlessly and stubbornly reckless.

In the film's best scene, Pam and John discuss death, suicide, and grief. Both having lost loved ones, they share how they each wanted to die from the crushing emotional pain. Flashbacks show Pam with her daughters, illuminated by candlelight and golden hues, indicating happy memories and starkly contrasting the cool-toned color palette used to depict the harsh elements. John asks if it gets easier; Pam talks about the "infinite storm of beauty" in the world. While at times I felt emotionally distant, this scene excels, striking something bittersweet and raw.

"Infinite Storm" – setting itself apart from other survival films by showing the hike's ramifications – evokes a companion piece to "Wild" and "Land," two films where women grieving turn to nature for catharsis and healing. Rather than merely trying to save herself (a worthy endeavor in and of itself), Pam inspires someone else to live, imparting her strength and wisdom.

Tackling intense themes and life-or-death situations, and punctuated by beautiful cinematography, I wish "Infinite Storm" engaged and compelled more, excavating deeper. While not always reaching emotional heights, it remains an inspiring story of compassion, tenacity, grief, mental health, and resilience.

"Infinite Storm" opens in theaters on Friday, March 25, 2022.