Long Way North 2016
Directed by
Rémi Chayé
Made by
Shout! Factory
Long Way North Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Long Way North (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In 19th-century Saint Petersburg, young Sasha watches with a heavy heart as her beloved grandfather, the renowned explorer Oloukine, embarks on a daring expedition to the North Pole aboard the Davaï, an icebreaker specially crafted to brave the unforgiving Arctic conditions, funded by the Tsar of Russia. After years of silence regarding the vessel’s fate, the Tsar announces a generous reward of 1 million rubles for any evidence of the Davaï’s final location, effectively declaring it lost with all crew members.
Fast forward to Sasha’s 15th birthday, where she is about to kick off her debutante ball. Eager to connect with her grandfather’s legacy, she sneaks into a new library wing dedicated to Oloukine’s contributions, but overhears Prince Tomsky disparaging her grandfather’s legacy. Tomsky views Oloukine’s disappearance as a political embarrassment for the Tsar, threatening to strip the explorer’s name from the library. During her ball, Tomsky puts on a show of indignation when Sasha reminds everyone of her grandfather’s notes indicating a different route than what the Tsar’s advisors believed. The gathering quickly turns against her, further isolating her family. Following this debacle, Sasha’s father, who was denied an ambassadorial position in Rome due to Tomsky’s scheming, unfairly directs his frustration at Sasha for their family’s diminishing stature.
Determined to restore her family’s honor, Sasha runs away, venturing to the coast where she discovers a vessel named the Norge, outfitted with a reinforced hull that suggests it is capable of navigating the treacherous northern oceans. After negotiating for passage with Larson, who falsely claims to be the ship’s captain, she watches as the Norge sets sail without her, forcing her to toil in a local tavern while waiting for its return. Upon the Norge’s arrival, Sasha successfully leverages her grandfather’s notes to convince the actual captain, Lund, that she can locate the Davaï, allowing Lund and his crew to qualify for the enticing Tsar’s reward. Bound by a sense of honor and family loyalty, Lund agrees to take Sasha on board since Larson, his first mate and sibling, lost her fare in a gambling spree during their last ill-fated voyage.
As they traverse the Arctic, the crew initially warms to Sasha, but when misfortune strikes — leading to the destruction of the Norge due to Larson’s inexperience — their camaraderie fades, and tensions rise as dwindling provisions drive the crew to accuse Sasha of their plight. As despair deepens during their arduous journey, Sasha flees into a harsh blizzard, where her loyal husky companion guides her to an unexpected discovery: the frozen remains of her grandfather, Oloukine. Retrieving his logbook, she learns that Oloukine’s quest mirrored her own, as he too had been abandoned by his crew on the ice-locked Davaï, driven by an obsession to reach the North Pole. In a poignant moment, she finds a snapshot of her younger self resting on his desk, frozen in time.
Armed with the coordinates from her grandfather’s log, Sasha leads the crew back to the location of the Davaï, where they courageously use dynamite to liberate the vessel and bring it back to the sea. As the credits roll, the visual narrative unfolds, showcasing the Davaï’s triumphant return to St. Petersburg, Tomsky’s public shame as Sasha’s discoveries validate her efforts, and an emotional reunion with her father. In a touching post-credits scene, the flag planted by Oloukine at the North Pole is caught in the polar breeze, symbolizing his enduring legacy.
Long Way North Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Long Way North (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Oloukine's Expedition Begins
In the 19th century, renowned explorer Oloukine sets off on a daring journey to the North Pole aboard the icebreaker named Davaï. Funded by the Tsar of Russia, this expedition aims to explore the uncharted territories of the Arctic, showcasing Oloukine's pioneering spirit and ambition.
Davaï Declared Lost
Years of silence pass after Oloukine’s expedition, and the Tsar announces that the Davaï is lost with all crew members aboard. He offers a generous reward of 1 million rubles for any information that can reveal the vessel's final fate, igniting hopes and speculations across the nation.
Sasha's 15th Birthday
On her 15th birthday, Sasha is excited to celebrate her debutante ball, but instead of joy, she experiences a profound sense of longing for her grandfather's legacy. During the festivities, she sneaks into a new library wing dedicated to Oloukine but overhears Prince Tomsky’s disparaging remarks regarding her grandfather’s disappearance.
Confrontation at the Ball
At the ball, Sasha bravely confronts Tomsky about her grandfather’s notes, which contradict the official narrative regarding the expedition’s route. Instead of support, she faces ridicule, and the atmosphere turns hostile, isolating her and her family even further.
Sasha's Determination
Feeling the weight of her family's declining reputation, primarily due to Tomsky’s machinations, Sasha resolves to restore their honor. This determination leads her to run away from home, embarking on a quest that will take her to the northern seas in search of the Davaï.
Discovery of the Norge
Sasha finds the vessel Norge, equipped with a reinforced hull capable of navigating the challenging Arctic waters. Despite her initial intent to embark, she faces a setback as the ship sets sail without her, forcing her to wait and work at a local tavern.
Negotiation for Passage
Upon the return of the Norge, Sasha seizes the moment to present her grandfather's findings to Captain Lund. She persuades him about her potential to locate the Davaï, convincing him to let her join the crew in pursuit of the Tsar’s lucrative prize.
Journey Through the Arctic
As they journey into the unforgiving Arctic, the crew initially embraces Sasha as a valuable member. However, as misfortunes befall them and rations run low, the camaraderie begins to erode, leading to increasing tension and blame directed towards Sasha.
Discovery During the Blizzard
While fighting through a harsh blizzard, Sasha becomes separated from the crew but is guided by her husky companion to a frozen site where she discovers the remains of her grandfather. This emotional moment brings her a deep sense of connection to Oloukine and his adventurous spirit.
Oloukine's Logbook
Sasha retrieves her grandfather’s logbook from the frozen site, revealing critical coordinates and insights about his abandoned quest for the North Pole. This discovery not only validates her own journey but also strengthens her resolve to bring honor back to her family.
Location of the Davaï Found
Using the coordinates from Oloukine's log, Sasha guides Captain Lund and the crew to the location of the Davaï. They work together to use dynamite to free the vessel, successfully bringing it back to the surface and fulfilling a significant part of her grandfather's dream.
Davaï's Return to Saint Petersburg
As the Davaï triumphantly returns to Saint Petersburg, the crew is celebrated for their bravery and Sasha’s legacy is acknowledged. The public shame of Tomsky unfolds as Sasha's efforts validate her grandfather's accomplishments and correct the historical narrative.
Emotional Reunion
Sasha experiences an emotional reunion with her father, who finally understands and appreciates her courage and dedication to restoring their family's honor. This moment signifies a new beginning and reconciliation within their family as they embrace the explorer's legacy.
Oloukine's Legacy
In a poignant post-credits scene, the flag planted by Oloukine at the North Pole flutters in the polar breeze. This imagery symbolizes his enduring spirit and legacy, showcasing the impact he left behind despite the challenges faced during his exploration.
Long Way North Characters
Explore all characters from Long Way North (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Sasha
Sasha is a determined and courageous young woman, marked by her unwavering spirit to honor her grandfather's legacy. She exhibits intelligence and resilience, often pushing against societal constraints imposed by her family's diminishing status. Her journey from a debutante to a skilled navigator showcases her growth and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Oloukine
Oloukine is portrayed as a brave and ambitious explorer, whose obsession with reaching the North Pole ultimately led to his disappearance. His legacy serves as a powerful motivator for Sasha and reflects the complexities of pursuing one’s dreams at great personal cost. The emotional connection between him and Sasha manifests in the logbook, revealing his strength and vulnerability.
Prince Tomsky
Prince Tomsky is an antagonistic figure representing political machinations and societal elitism. He disparages Oloukine’s legacy, illustrating the conflict between ambition and political embarrassment. His actions and words create obstacles for Sasha, ultimately shaping her resolve to reclaim her family's honor.
Long Way North Settings
Learn where and when Long Way North (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
19th century
The 19th century was a period marked by significant exploration and scientific advancement. It was a time of great political change, particularly in Europe, with various empires expanding their reach. This era also saw the emergence of personal quests for legacy and adventure, exemplified by explorers seeking uncharted territories.
Location
Saint Petersburg, North Pole
Saint Petersburg is a historic city in Russia, known for its stunning architecture, winter palace, and as a cultural hub. The city played a significant role during the 19th century as a center for exploration and political intrigue. The North Pole, on the other hand, represents the extreme conditions of the Arctic, a place of mystery and adventure often sought by explorers.
Long Way North Themes
Discover the main themes in Long Way North (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🏴☠️
Adventure
Adventure is a central theme as Sasha embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the fate of her grandfather. Her determination to brave the Arctic, coupled with her resourcefulness, highlights the lengths one can go in pursuit of family legacy. The treacherous conditions and the bonds formed with the crew further emphasize the unpredictable nature of adventure.
👩👧
Family Legacy
Family legacy plays a crucial role in Sasha’s story, driving her motivation to restore her grandfather’s honor. The emotional connection she has with her grandfather shapes her identity, as she navigates challenges rooted in familial pride. The discovery of Oloukine’s remains signifies the enduring impact of familial ties and their influence on personal journeys.
🧊
Isolation
Isolation is depicted through Sasha's struggles, both in her family dynamics and the harsh Arctic environment. As she faces societal rejection and the crew’s growing mistrust, her journey reflects the emotional toll of isolation. The blizzard symbolizes her physical and emotional loneliness, culminating in a significant moment of discovery.
Long Way North Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Long Way North (2016). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the glittering yet rigid world of 19th‑century Saint Petersburg, society is a finely tuned tapestry of expectation and privilege. Amid the marble halls and hushed libraries, a young aristocrat feels the pull of something far colder and wilder than the polished salons she inhabits. Sacha, bright‑spirited and restless, carries the weight of a family name forged by daring exploration, and she cannot ignore the lingering mystery that has haunted her lineage for years.
Her grandfather, the renowned explorer Oloukine, vanished on an audacious quest toward the North Pole, leaving behind a legacy as much about curiosity as about courage. The allure of his unfinished journey fuels Sacha’s determination to learn what truly became of him. The promise of a distant, unforgiving Arctic landscape—vast ice fields, howling winds, and uncharted horizons—offers both a literal and metaphorical path away from the constraints of her upbringing.
Family expectations loom large, particularly in the form of parental disapproval that questions the propriety of a young woman venturing beyond the comforts of courtly life. Yet the tension between duty and desire only sharpens her resolve. With a husky companion at her side and a notebook of her grandfather’s notes tucked close, she prepares to step onto a world where the social maps of Petersburg give way to the raw, indifferent geography of the far north.
The film’s tone balances the elegance of Imperial Russia with the stark, haunting beauty of the Arctic, weaving together themes of heritage, independence, and the timeless quest for truth. As Sacha sets her sights northward, the audience is invited to feel the tug of adventure that promises both personal growth and the chance to honor a legacy left on the edge of the world.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.