Pioneer
A Norwegian deep-sea diver is pulled into a deadly conspiracy as the country races to exploit its newly discovered offshore oil riches.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- paranoid
- brooding
- claustrophobic
- late night thriller viewing
- international cinema night
What critics said
Critics broadly found strong acting and an effective throwback conspiracy-thriller atmosphere, but considered the film too slow and insufficiently developed.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The plot centers on pioneering deep-sea pipeline work during Norway's early oil boom.
Petter's professional dives into the deep Norwegian Sea make confined underwater spaces a recurring source of danger.
After the fatal accident, Petter gradually loses track of who is directing the mission and threatening his life.
The discovery of North Sea oil is presented alongside secrecy, risk, and a tragic accident.
Films like Pioneer, and why
The Conversation
shared paranoid conspiracy thriller structure, institutional secrecy, and morally compromised investigation
The Abyss
shared deep-sea suspense, professional technical environments, and escalating life-threatening pressure
Breach
shared 1980s industrial setting, conspiracy-driven tension, and distrust of powerful institutions
Movie Details
- Director
- Erik Skjoldbjærg
- Release Date
- 2013-08-30
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (112)
Cast
- Aksel Hennie
- Wes Bentley
- Stephen Lang
- Stephanie Sigman
- Jonathan LaPaglia
- Ane Dahl Torp
- Jørgen Langhelle
- André Eriksen
- David A. Jørgensen
- Eirik Stubø
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Philo, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel, Monsters and Nightmares Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Pioneer about?
- A Norwegian deep-sea diver is pulled into a deadly conspiracy as the country races to exploit its newly discovered offshore oil riches.
- What is Pioneer like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pioneer as slow, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Pioneer violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Pioneer as moderate.
- What did critics think of Pioneer?
- Critics broadly found strong acting and an effective throwback conspiracy-thriller atmosphere, but considered the film too slow and insufficiently developed.
- Which films are like Pioneer?
- Films with a similar feel include The Conversation, The Abyss, and Breach.
- How long is Pioneer?
- Pioneer runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pioneer?
- In United States, Pioneer streams on fuboTV, Philo, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel, Monsters and Nightmares Amazon Channel.
