Why North of North on Netflix Is A Hidden Gem Worth Watching
When people ask where I’m from, I say, Think of the furthest place north you’ve ever been. Now keep going. Keep going. Yep. That’s us.
North of North on Netflix is one of those rare gems that is easy to miss, but somehow finds you at just the right time. Set against the cold, scarce Arctic backdrop, the series is far from frigid in its spirit, the small town quirks, Inuit traditions, and the heartfelt humor, makes it a delightful blend of lighthearted comedy with cultural richness. So, if you are ready for something cozy yet thoughtful, keep a blanket close and let the snowy charm of Ice Cove keep you company.
Plot Overview:
North of North brings you closer to Siaja, a young Inuk woman living what seems like an almost perfect family life in the close‑knit town of Ice Cove.
Everything seems to work for her, a loving home, familiar neighbors, and years of deep rooted traditions looking out for her in the form of a supportive community, except for her relatable struggle with self identity.
The series lets you see her journey as she slowly leave behind her insecurities and start to create a life of her own, all while balancing the expectations of family and community.
The Cast:
The show has a wonderful lead in Siaja, played by Anna Lambe, her performance rightfully captures both the awkwardness and resilience of someone starting over her life from scratch.
Her husband’s character(Ting) is played by Kelly William, and her mother’s character (Neevee) is played by Maika Harper, both of them adds the challenges of love, partnership and family expectations into the mix, showing how relationships can be tested in a small community.
Along with them, the rest of the cast brings in warmth, humor, and everyday quirks, creating the feel of a real, lived‑in community.
The Backdrop:
The backdrop of the show is just as important as any of its characters. It is one of the those unique things about the show that makes it standout from others.
The frozen landscape may look harsh and enstranged at first, but it quickly becomes the perfect canvas for stories of community, resilience, and connections.
The setup also highlights the uniqueness of Inuit culture, by carefully weaving it in the everyday life of the people, which adds an elements of authenticity and depth to the story.
The entire setting with its snow, silence, and vastness create a sense of isolation, which makes the warmth of Ice Cove’s people shine even brighter, showing how even in the harshest places, laughter and belonging can thrive.
What makes it special:
What makes it special is how easily it lets you connect with the heart and humor of a culture you you may not know about. You go in expecting cultural shock, yet the community and its people somehow feel closer to home.
Siaja’s journey, highlights the mix of support and pressure that comes with small‑town life. While on one hand the community gives you a sense of belonging, support, and traditions that ground everyday life, but on the other hand it also brings in expectations, reminding you to always balance personal dreams with collective values of the society, a challenge that feels universal.
The beauty of the backdrop, the thoughtful storytelling, along with the unique cultural references and the simple joys of everyday moments, leaves you with a kind of experience that you keep telling people about.
Who Should Watch It:
Someone who enjoys heartfelt storytelling with a touch of humor.
Someone who values story with a spirit of community.
Someone who is interested in knowing about the Inuit culture, people and traditions.
Someone who appreciate the backdrop as much as the narrative.
Someone who is looking for an interesting weekend binge.
If you too started the show because of its unique backdrop and ended up nestling into the Ice cove community, well we are all in this together. The first season has already given us so much to look forward to, and I am all excited to see what the next seasons will bring.
So until the next season drops, maybe rewatch this one to keep the warmth alive for the upcoming season, and keep sharing your thoughts and favorite moments from the show in the comments, I would love to read them. And, if you are planning on watching it later, do come back and share your views.
