The North (2025) Movie Review - Friendship ‘til the End
We’ve seen plenty of dramas and passion projects about lifelong friends trying to reconnect—but rarely are they portrayed as naturally and realistically as they are here. In his second feature, The North, Bart Schrijver invites us to lace up our hiking boots for a cozy, artistic journey. The film follows two longtime friends—one Dutch, one Latino—as they trek 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) across Scotland’s West Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail, attempting to rekindle their bond after a ten-year absence.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: the film is breathtaking—often downright picturesque. Cinematographer Twan Peeters captures the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands using nothing more than DSLRs and natural light. When the characters hike through valleys, crags, and marshes, the wide shots make them look like ants navigating a vast, ancient world. Complementing the visuals is Fraser Allan’s serene sound design—the rush of cold water flowing down a lake, the whisper of wind on a face, the crackle of fire—immersing you so deeply, it feels as if you’re camping alongside the characters.
Bart Harder and Carles Pulido deliver grounded, intimate performances that sell the authenticity of a shared past. Whether pitching a tent in the rain, swatting gnats, or playing UNO, it feels like you’re right there with them—and wouldn’t mind tagging along for the next leg of their journey.
The screenplay subtly and effectively sketches out each character’s evolution over the years. Harder’s Chris has embraced a life of responsibility and exploration, juggling work calls, dreams of fatherhood, and a thirst for adventure. Pulido’s Lluis, in contrast, is more jaded—having quit his job as a wedding videographer, he’s still searching for purpose and sees the hike more as an obligation than an escape. The film smartly avoids heavy exposition; instead, character growth emerges through organic dialogue and expressive performances.
That said, The North is very much a slow burn. The sweeping cinematography and compelling chemistry between the leads can only carry you so far before the lack of clear structure becomes noticeable. I admire the film straying from being a traditional Hollywood hiking movie, although at times it’s difficult to tell whether you’re at the second act’s low point or nearing the end.
Still, The North is the cinematic embodiment of the phrase “journey before destination.” It’s a contemplative, deeply human exploration of friendship, memory, and self-discovery—one that might just inspire you to plan a trail of your own. The film is currently streaming on TuesdayStudio’s website (tuesdayfilm.com), and it’s a must-watch for anyone craving the soulfulness of true outdoor cinema.
RATING: 4/5
