Pioneer review

Skjoldbjærg dives into a conspiracy

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Set in the ‘70s and early ‘80S, this conspiracy thriller recounts the true-life tale of the Norwegian divers who risked their lives to lay a pipeline on the ocean floor when oil and gas were discovered in the North Sea.

Headhunters ’ Aksel Hennie rocks a quality moustache as star frogman Petter, determined to blow the whistle on corporate foul play.

Pioneer features underwater sequences so breathless they’ll thrill even James Cameron (director Erik Skjoldbjærg made the original Insomnia ) but Petter’s truth-chasing is at times too frantic and melodramatic.

The string score, meanwhile – all frets and threats – drowns the action.

Editor-at-Large, Total Film

Jamie Graham is the Editor-at-Large of Total Film magazine. You'll likely find them around these parts reviewing the biggest films on the planet and speaking to some of the biggest stars in the business – that's just what Jamie does. Jamie has also written for outlets like SFX and the Sunday Times Culture, and appeared on podcasts exploring the wondrous worlds of occult and horror.