
Adam DiMarco Joins 'Dark Ocean,' Glassriver's First Feature Film

By John Lasseter


By John Lasseter
Adam DiMarco, a standout performer from the critically acclaimed series "The White Lotus," has been tapped to lead the cast of "Dark Ocean." This dramatic feature marks the first foray into film production for Glassriver, an Icelandic company previously known for its television work. DiMarco's involvement signifies a significant step for the burgeoning production house and an intriguing new chapter for the actor.
DiMarco will be sharing the screen with seasoned Icelandic talents, including actor, producer, and director Baltasar Kormákur, known for his work on "Everest" and "Adrift." Also on board is the versatile Icelandic-American actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, recognized for his performances in "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" and "Severance." The collective experience of these actors promises a compelling portrayal of the film's challenging narrative.
"Dark Ocean" centers on Hákon, a 28-year-old Canadian-born Icelander, played by DiMarco, who embarks on his first extensive fishing voyage in the North Atlantic. His motivation is to support his pregnant girlfriend, but he quickly discovers the unforgiving realities of life at sea. The film delves into Hákon's battle against both the relentless ocean and a tough crew, forcing him to adapt to a brutal environment governed by its own unwritten rules. As conflicts escalate and lives hang in the balance, Hákon confronts the profound psychological toll of survival in a hyper-masculine world marked by sorrow, silence, and harmful gender dynamics.
The film is a collaborative effort, co-produced by Terminal City Pictures from Canada, with Rocket Science managing global sales. Baldvin Z, a co-owner of Glassriver and acclaimed director of works such as "Black Sands" and "Case," is at the helm as director and producer. The screenplay is penned by Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson. Guðgeir "Gucci" Arngrímsson for Glassriver and Christine Haebler for Terminal City Pictures serve as additional producers. The production team also boasts renowned film editor Valdís Óskarsdóttir and Canadian film composer Anne Nikitin, ensuring a high level of cinematic craftsmanship.
Baldvin Z expressed his enthusiasm for DiMarco's casting, noting the actor's unique blend of vulnerability and underlying strength. He described the character of Hákon as an outsider entering a harsh male world, allowing the audience to experience it through his perspective. The director highlighted that the core of "Dark Ocean" revolves around themes of belonging and the societal influences that mold young men into who they become, suggesting a rich psychological depth to the story.
Principal photography for "Dark Ocean" is slated to commence in March 2027. Filming will take place across diverse and evocative locations, including various sites in Iceland and St. Johns in Newfoundland, Canada. This transatlantic production promises to lend an authentic and expansive backdrop to the film's maritime narrative.
Producer Christine Haebler conveyed her excitement for "Dark Ocean," describing it as a rare and exceptional project. She lauded the collaboration with the talented Glassriver team and the distinguished cast. This feature film addition further enriches Glassriver's growing portfolio of scripted series, which includes "Avalanche," "Konráð," and "Reykjavik Noir," signaling the company's ambition in the international film and television landscape.
About the author

Former chief creative officer of Pixar, whose principles of storytelling have shaped modern animation.

by John Lasseter
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