Review of The Mountain Between Us (2017) by Jeanne N — 24 Mar 2018

I thought the movie was engrossing. I mostly disagree with the reviews, including this one. I believe this reviewer and others really do not understand human behavior or emotions when under duress.

The acting was flawless. It is very difficult for Kate Winslet to turn in a bad performance, and Idris Elba was brilliant (this was the first time I have seen him). This is, after all, a survival film, and the two are strangers thrown together in an extremely challenging situation -- so-called "chemistry" has to develop, which it did believably.

The big problem--and distraction--was the dog. Having some experience with dogs and knowledge of wildlife-- I do not believe the dog could have survived this particular trek or the encounter with the cougar. Overall, the delightful pooch never changed its demeanor -- despite the impossible terrain, freezing cold weather and lack of food the dog was consistently upbeat, tail wagging all the time, except when it was resting or sleeping. In reality, it would have been starving and its good nature would have slipped. Its paws would have suffered greatly from the cold -- this is not an Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky after all. And I wondered why the humans did not consider eating the dog. I loved the dog, but the movie would have fared better without this character - and I wouldn't have wanted to see the reality of the dog suffering or dying!

The scene with the cougar truly was terrifying. And I approve of the ending of the film.