“North of North” is an eight-episode series that introduces viewers to the fictional Arctic community of Ice Cove and the captivating journey of Siaja, a young Inuit woman charmingly portrayed by Anna Lambe.
Produced by Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment, in partnership with CBC and APTN, “North of North” stands out for its portrayal of life in Canada’s Far North.
This isn’t just another comedy; it’s a culturally rich narrative that delivers both laughs and heartfelt moments as Siaja navigates the unpredictable terrain of relationships, motherhood, and self-discovery in her close-knit community.
“North of North” arrives on Netflix after its Canadian premiere on CBC and APTN.
The series was filmed on location in Iqaluit, Nunavut, lending undeniable authenticity to the visual landscape.
Creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, who are both of Inuit heritage, consciously aimed to depict the North with warmth, beauty, and a strong sense of community, actively challenging stereotypical portrayals of the Arctic as a cold and desolate place.
The Plot
The narrative of “North of North” centers on Siaja’s journey to redefine herself in her small Arctic hometown.
Feeling trapped in an unfulfilling marriage with Ting, the town’s popular “golden boy,” Siaja experiences a pivotal moment during a seal hunt.
Following an accident and a vision of the goddess Nuliajuk, Siaja decides to make a dramatic change, culminating in a public breakup with Ting at the local festival.
This bold move sets off a chain reaction of changes in Siaja’s life.
She moves in with her mother, Neevee, and embarks on a new career path, starting with a temporary job that eventually leads to a position assisting Helen at the community center.
The reappearance of her estranged father, Alistair, who arrives in Ice Cove with a proposal to build a research station, adds another layer of complexity to Siaja’s life.
Throughout the series, Siaja navigates her evolving relationships with her daughter, her mother, her father, and even finds a connection with Kuuk, Alistair’s assistant.
The overarching themes revolve around the challenges and humorous moments of navigating relationships, embracing single motherhood, and ultimately finding one’s identity within the confines of a small, tight-knit Arctic community.
Characters and Cast
At the heart of Ice Cove is Siaja, played by the talented Anna Lambe. Lambe’s performance anchors the series as Siaja embarks on a journey of personal reinvention after a spontaneous and very public departure from her marriage.
The supporting cast enriches the tapestry of Ice Cove with their own unique personalities.
Mary Lynn Rajskub plays Helen, the well-intentioned but sometimes misguided town administrator, whose interactions with Siaja often highlight cultural differences and comedic misunderstandings.
Maika Harper embodies Neevee, Siaja’s sharp-tongued mother, who runs the local store and offers a dose of reality to Siaja’s aspirations.
Keira Cooper portrays Bun, Siaja’s endearing daughter, while Braeden Clarke plays Kuuk, the charming assistant to Siaja’s estranged father.
Speaking of her father, Jay Ryan plays Alistair, a researcher whose arrival in Ice Cove stirs up past family dynamics.
Rounding out the central characters is Kelly William as Ting, Siaja’s ex-husband and the town’s “golden boy”.
The series also features Tanya Tagaq as Nuliajuk, an Inuit sea goddess who appears in Siaja’s vision, and a host of other memorable characters such as Siaja’s friends Millie (Zorga Qaunaq) and Colin (Bailey Poching), and her coworker Elisapee (Nutaaq Simmonds).
The Creative Team
The creative force behind “North of North” lies in its creators, executive producers, and writers, Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril. Their shared Inuit heritage is crucial to the series’ authentic voice and perspective.
Directors who helmed episodes in the first season include Anya Adams, Danis Goulet, Zoe Leigh Hopkins, Lisa Jackson, Renuka Jeyapalan, and Aleysa Young.
A significant aspect of the production is the strong Indigenous representation both in front of and behind the camera. This commitment to authentic storytelling through Indigenous voices is a key element contributing to the show’s unique appeal and positive reception.
Where to Watch “North of North”
