Zero Kelvin (1995)

A haunting Norwegian psychological drama pitting a dreamy young poet against a brutal trapper in the frozen isolation of East Greenland.

Zero Kelvin - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Kjærlighetens kjøtere
  • Release Year: 1995
  • Directed by: Hans Petter Moland
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Thriller
  • Age Rating (US): NR
  • Runtime: 1h 58m
  • Original Language: Norwegian
  • Spoken Languages: Norwegian, Swedish
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 29, 1995 (Norway - 15), November 27, 1996 (United States - NR), November 21, 1996 (Australia - MA 15+), June 6, 1996 (Spain)
  • Alternative Titles: Zero Kelvin (NL)
  • Production Companies: Sandrews, Norsk Film
  • Production Countries: Sweden, Norway

Zero Kelvin - Plot

Larsen, an aspiring poet in '20s Oslo, leaves his girlfriend to spend a year as a trapper in East Greenland. There he is teamed with a seemingly rough old sailor/trapper, Randbæk, and a scientist, Holm. Trapped in a tiny hut together as the Arctic winter sets in, a complex and intense love/hate relationship develops between Randbæk and Larsen, who are more similar than either would like to admit. A powerful psychological and physical drama set against stunningly bleak Arctic scenery.

Zero Kelvin - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the Arctic tension come to life:

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Zero Kelvin - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Hans Petter Moland

Main Cast

  • Stellan Skarsgård
  • Gard B. Eidsvold
  • Bjørn Sundquist
  • Camilla Martens
  • Paul-Ottar Haga
  • Johannes Joner
  • Erik Øksnes
  • Lars Andreas Larssen
  • Frank Iversen
  • Juni Dahr

Writers

  • Lars Bill Lundholm

Producers

  • Bent Rognlien
  • Esben Høilund Carlsen

Zero Kelvin - FAQs

Is Zero Kelvin based on a novel or book?

Yes, Zero Kelvin is based on a novel. The film is adapted from the book Larsen by Danish author Peter Tutein. Screenwriter Lars Bill Lundholm adapted the source material for Hans Petter Moland's 1995 Norwegian production, transposing its psychological intensity to the stark Arctic landscape of East Greenland.

Where can you stream Zero Kelvin online?

Streaming availability for Zero Kelvin varies by region and platform. You can check the most current viewing options, including any rental or purchase options, by visiting JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across major streaming services in your country.

Who are the lead actors in Zero Kelvin?

Zero Kelvin stars Stellan Skarsgård as the menacing trapper Randbæk and Gard B. Eidsvold as the idealistic young poet Henrik Larsen. Bjørn Sundquist rounds out the central trio as scientist Jakob Holm. Camilla Martens also appears as Gertrude, Larsen's girlfriend in Oslo.

What is Zero Kelvin about?

Zero Kelvin follows Henrik Larsen, a romantic young poet from 1920s Oslo who volunteers for a year-long trapping expedition in East Greenland. Isolated in a tiny Arctic hut with a brutish sailor named Randbæk and a scientist, Larsen is forced into a psychologically devastating confrontation with violence, masculinity, and his own identity.

Who directed Zero Kelvin?

Zero Kelvin was directed by Hans Petter Moland, a Norwegian filmmaker known for his stark, character-driven storytelling. Moland later gained international recognition with the dark comedies In Order of Disappearance (2014) and its American remake Cold Pursuit (2019), both of which also starred Stellan Skarsgård.

What is the runtime of Zero Kelvin?

Zero Kelvin has a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes (118 minutes). The film uses its considerable length to build a slow-burning, claustrophobic tension between its characters, allowing the harsh Arctic environment and psychological pressure to accumulate gradually throughout the story.

Did Zero Kelvin receive critical acclaim or awards?

Zero Kelvin was widely praised by critics for its raw performances and atmospheric direction. The film won the Amanda Award (Norway's national film prize) for Best Norwegian Film in 1995 and earned Stellan Skarsgård considerable acclaim for his intense portrayal of Randbæk. It was also selected as Norway's entry for the Academy Awards.

What is the age rating for Zero Kelvin?

Zero Kelvin is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. In Norway it carries a 15 certificate, and in Australia it is classified MA 15+. The film contains scenes of psychological and physical violence, harsh language, and intense dramatic content that make it suitable for mature audiences only.

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