What Is Kraken About?
The premise of Kraken in 254 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the frozen expanse of the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole, the disappearance of a Russian missile submarine during a clandestine mission sets in motion a desperate search operation. The Navy dispatches a rescue vessel to the Greenland Sea, led by Captain Second Rank Viktor Voronin — a man driven by both duty and family, as his older brother Alexander commands the missing submarine. The mission carries stakes beyond personal concern: aboard the lost vessel rests a top-secret experimental weapon that must be secured at all costs before it falls into enemy hands.
Meanwhile, the remote polar landscape proves far more perilous than anticipated. A geological survey team conducting hydrological experiments has inadvertently awakened something ancient — the Kraken, a colossal deep-sea creature whose legendary existence becomes terrifyingly real. Possessing both remarkable camouflage abilities and an intelligence that defies expectation, the creature stalks the same waters through which the rescue mission must pass. As scientists and sailors alike find themselves in the path of an apex predator, the line between myth and reality blurs beneath the polar ice.
The vast Arctic setting becomes a character in its own right — claustrophobic despite its scale, unforgiving in its cold darkness. Against this backdrop, questions of duty, sacrifice, and survival emerge as humans with conflicting objectives cross paths with a force of nature that acknowledges none of their rules. The legend of the Kraken has finally surfaced, and those who venture into its domain must confront the possibility that some mysteries are better left undisturbed.
What Happens in Kraken?
The complete story of Kraken, from the first scene to the last, in 783 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the icy waters near the North Pole, the Arctic quiet is broken by the work of geologists Julia Diana Pozharskaya and Oskar Anton Rival, who are carrying out a series of hydrological tests for a Swedish expedition. They operate with explosive charges to study how the ocean behaves beneath the sea ice, a task that becomes suddenly more perilous when their snowmobile crashes and their camp is swallowed by the shifting ice. Not far away, the experimental submarine Ataman Yermak, gliding beneath the ice, faces a sudden crisis. Under the command of Captain First Rank Alexander Voronin [Viktor Dobronravov], the crew encounters strange activity and then suffers a catastrophic failure that forces them to jettison the emergency locator beacon as they slip under the waves.
In response, the Russian Navy dispatches Zapolyarye on a rescue mission. The ship is commanded by Viktor Voronin [Alexander Petrov], a man whose duty is complicated by deep family ties: his younger brother Alexander Voronin [Viktor Dobronravov] serves alongside him, sharing a fraught history that colors every decision. The operation is overseen by Counter Admiral Olshansky [Aleksei Guskov], who warns that the mission could become personal for Viktor and pressures him to avoid risks that could endanger the entire crew. Zapolyarye is equipped with a deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) to aid in the rescue, and Viktor is given his father’s dive watch as a reminder of legacy and duty.
As Zapolyarye closes in on the beacon’s signal, Julia and Oskar’s signal is detected, and the submarine follows the beacon’s trail. The ship’s sonar meets an unusual intelligent response as it passes a vast pod of whales behaving oddly, and an unidentified creature moves beneath the hull. Olshansky orders an aggressive strike with torpedoes, while Viktor chooses a safer path and slips the submarine into the sea ice to hide, a tactic that narrowly keeps the crew out of harm and earns disapproval from Olshansky. The rescue operation succeeds in locating Julia and Oskar, who are brought aboard Zapolyarye, while Olshansky contemplates returning to Murmansk and leaves the decision in Viktor’s hands to press on with the search.
The krakenlike threat remains, a colossal creature that seems to haunt the submarine’s path. Zapolyarye skirts a Norwegian oil rig, only to watch the rig itself be dragged into the depths as the beast closes in. Olshansky declares this to be Viktor’s third mistake and moves to relieve him, firing torpedoes in a show of force that barely dent the monster. Viktor regains control, orders a crash dive, and slows every nonessential system to conserve what little power remains. The submarine returns to base only when it’s no longer safe to push further.
Back on board, Julia visits Viktor and explains a haunting possibility: their colleagues may have disturbed the Kraken, a primordial monster that lies in wait in the seabed. Its lair could be near the Ataman Yermak’s last known location in the Nansen Basin, and sonar now picks up a faint metallic knock in the same vicinity. Viktor decides to press onward in search of the missing vessel, with an abyss ahead and danger behind every tremor on the sonar.
To extend the search, the DSRV commanded by Koshkin [Sergey Kempo] is deployed. Among a graveyard of ships, Zapolyarye discovers the wreck of Ataman Yermak—the stern wrecked while the bow remains intact. Viktor, Alexander, and a few crew members stay aboard the Ataman Yermak to disable its secret weapon, while the more severely injured sailors are evacuated via the DSRV. Koshkin leaves a locator beacon on the hull, but toggles it off, remembering Viktor’s orders to keep the beacon active in a crisis.
Oskar offers to help Koshkin return the DSRV to the Yermak for a second attempt to reach the wreck. When the wreck cannot be located, the beacon is reactivated, and the Kraken reappears, forcing Zapolyarye to the surface. The DSRV reaches the site of the Yermak, with the Kraken still in pursuit, and Viktor and Alexander decide to activate the ship’s experimental weapon. A powerful energy beam is fired into the air, killing the monstrous threat, but the weapon self-destructs in the process, sending the crew scrambling as the bow of the Yermak plunges into the abyss. The rescue vehicle is sent spinning away as the ship detonates.
With the battle won, Zapolyarye surfaces under the command of Olshansky, and the DSRV rises with Viktor and Alexander aboard. Viktor offers the dive watch to his brother, who solemnly acknowledges that Viktor has earned it. The submarine completes its return to Kola Bay, bringing Viktor and Alexander together atop the conning tower, their bond tempered by peril, duty, and the strange, deadly ocean they faced.
Kraken Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
11 key events in the order they happen, from “Expedition starts as ice entombs camp” to “Return to base and recognition”. 11 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Expedition starts as ice entombs camp
In the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole, geologists Julia and Oskar conduct hydro‑experiments with explosive charges. Their camp is suddenly swallowed by shifting sea ice after a snowmobile crash. The fragile peace of the mission is shattered as danger looms nearby.
When:early in the mission Where:Arctic Ocean, near North Pole
- 2
Ataman Yermak reports activity and sinks
The experimental submarine Ataman Yermak moves beneath the ice and signals unknown activity. It sustains critical damage and founders, jettisoning its emergency locator beacon before vanishing beneath the ice. The crew's fate triggers an urgent rescue response.
When:during the expedition Where:Under the Arctic sea ice
- 3
Zapolyarye is dispatched to recover the beacon
The Russian Navy deploys the submarine Zapolyarye to locate the beacon and assist any survivors. Admiral Belousov appoints Viktor Voronin to command, with Counter Admiral Olshansky as a potential replacement if needed. A deep-submergence rescue vehicle is prepared for the challenging mission ahead.
When:shortly after beacon jettison Where:Arctic waters
- 4
Beacons located and rescue begins; strange ocean life appears
Zapolyarye detects the beacon signal and closes in to recover it. A massive pod of whales swims erratically and an unfamiliar creature lurks near the hull. Olshansky pushes for direct engagement, while Voronin chooses to hide among the sea ice to avoid the threat.
When:during beacon tracking Where:Arctic waters under sea ice
- 5
The chase intensifies; oil rig encounter
The Kraken-like creature continues to hunt the Zapolyarye, forcing evasive maneuvers. The submarine passes a Norwegian oil rig, which is swiftly overwhelmed by the monster. Olshansky denounces Voronin's caution as a mistake, foreshadowing further conflict.
When:mid-mission Where:Arctic sea near an oil rig
- 6
Command dispute reaches a breaking point
With the creature pressing in and the crew at risk, Olshansky relieves Voronin of command. Voronin regains control just in time, ordering a crash dive and powering down nonessential systems to conserve energy. The submarine struggles to survive as the threat closes in.
When:mid-late mission Where:Arctic waters
- 7
Wreckage of Ataman Yermak found; survivors discovered
A graveyard of ships awaits as Zapolyarye penetrates deeper. The wreck of Ataman Yermak surfaces with its stern damaged but bow intact. Voronin and his crew locate several survivors inside the bow, including his brother Alexander.
When:late mission Where:Nansen Basin / wreck site
- 8
Koshkin deploys DSRV; beacon restored
The deep-submergence rescue vehicle reaches the wreck to retrieve survivors. Koshkin sets a locator beacon on the hull and later reactivates it after capturing the tactical directive from Viktor. The Kraken remains a looming threat.
When:rescue operations Where:Ataman Yermak wreck site
- 9
Final confrontation: weapon activation
With survivors aboard, they decide to disable the monster by firing the experimental weapon. The energy beam blasts into the air, destroying the Kraken and allowing the crew to scramble toward safety. The DSRV and rescue teams separate as the weapon initiates its self-destruct.
When:climax Where:Arctic battle zone
- 10
Self-destruct and escape
The crippled Zapolyarye detonates its weapon and sinks the bow of Ataman Yermak. The DSRV carries Viktor, Alexander, and others away from the wreck as the rescue operation continues in the freezing depths. The surviving crew endure a perilous escape to safety.
When:post-climax Where:Arctic abyss / wreck vicinity
- 11
Return to base and recognition
Zapolyarye surfaces and reaches Kola Bay with Viktor and Alexander aboard. Viktor receives the ceremonial dive watch from his brother, acknowledging his earned leadership. The mission ends with the pair atop the conning tower, heading home to Murmansk.
When:end of mission Where:Kola Bay, Murmansk vicinity
Who Are the Main Characters in Kraken?
8 characters, among them Julia (Diana Pozharskaya), Oskar (Anton Rival) and Victor Voronin (Alexander Petrov): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 7 of them link to the actor’s page.
- J(
Julia (Diana Pozharskaya)
Played by Diana Pozharskaya
A pragmatic geologist and scientist who helps uncover the Kraken’s presence. She and Oskar recover the emergency beacon and reveal that the Ataman Yermak’s experiments disturbed the creature. Her observations drive the pursuit and her resolve keeps the team focused on the larger mystery.
- 🔬 Scientist
- 🧭 Pragmatic
- 🧊 Arctic Explorer
- O(
Oskar (Anton Rival)
Played by Anton Rival
A fellow researcher who crash-lands with Julia and helps track the beacon. He demonstrates courage and resourcefulness under pressure while working to aid the rescue and understand the strange sonar signals. His collaboration with Julia keeps them in the hunt for answers.
- 🧭 Adventurous
- 🔬 Scientist
- ❄️ Arctic Explorer
- VV
Victor Voronin (Alexander Petrov)
Played by Alexander Petrov
Captain of Zapolyarye, thrust into a high-stakes rescue with familial ties complicating every move. He must navigate orders, risk, and the evolving command dynamic as he pursues the beaconed signal. His resolve helps the crew press on despite mounting danger.
- 🧭 Leader
- ⚓ Naval
- 🤝 Family ties
- AV
Alexander Voronin (Aleksandr Dobronravov)
Played by Victor Dobronravov
Victor’s brother, surviving aboard a damaged vessel while aiding the mission. His presence adds emotional depth and a personal stake in disabling the experimental weapon. He remains steadfast and instrumental in the final plan.
- 🧭 Brother
- ⚓ Naval
- 💪 Loyal
-
Admiral Belousov
Played by Sergey Garmash
Senior commander who assigns Viktor and oversees the operation. He pushes for results while calling for caution, highlighting the tension between bold action and strategic restraint in a crisis.
- 🧭 Authority
- 🎖️ Military
- ⚔️ Command
- RA
Rear Admiral Olshansky
Played by Aleksey Guskov
A cautious officer who questions the pursuit and urges a return to base. He embodies the friction within command, ultimately challenging Viktor’s decisions and risking a mutiny of sorts under the pressure of the mission.
- 🧭 Authority
- ⚔️ Conflict
- 🧊 Icebound
- K
Koshkin
Played by Sergey Kempo
The mechanic and operator of the deep-submergence rescue vehicle. He discreetly places a beacon on the hull and plays a pivotal supporting role in the rescue, enabling the final chase under the Kraken’s pursuit.
- 🔧 Technician
- 🧭 Helpful
- 🚤 Rescue
- K
Kraken
A colossal sea creature that stalks the submarines beneath the ice. The monster’s presence escalates danger and acts as a formidable external antagonist that the crew must contend with.
- 🌊 Monster
Where and When Is Kraken Set?
Kraken is set in Arctic Ocean (Nansen Basin), Murmansk and Kola Bay. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Arctic Ocean (Nansen Basin), Murmansk, Kola Bay
The story unfolds in the frozen Arctic waters beneath a sea-ice lid near the North Pole. Submarines navigate a brutal, wind-swept environment where ice floes and the abyss dictate pace and risk. The narrative shifts from remote ice fields to rescue operations near Murmansk and past a Norwegian oil rig, emphasizing the stark, isolated world of polar naval operations.
- ❄️ Arctic
- 🚢 Naval
- 🧊 Sea Ice
- 🐋 Whales
What Are the Themes of Kraken?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Leadership, Experimentation and Survival.
-
01
Leadership
Viktor Voronin faces escalating pressure as command shifts and personal bonds complicate strategy. He must balance duty with loyalty to his crew and family, proving decision-making under peril. The tension with Olshansky tests trust, while the presence of his brother adds a personal dimension to every choice. Ultimately, the mission hinges on strong, decisive leadership.
-
02
Experimentation
The secret experimental weapon aboard Ataman Yermak becomes the central moral and tactical flashpoint. Characters weigh the risks of advancing technology against the need to stop the Kraken menace. The weapon's destructive power drives a tense buildup and a dramatic, self-destruct ending.
-
03
Survival
The crew fights against extreme cold, damaged vessels, and a relentless sea monster. Rescue operations, the deep-submergence vehicle, and improvised tactics hinge on resilience and teamwork. The Arctic setting amplifies danger and forces the crew to endure until the final escape.
-
04
Family & Duty
The bond between Viktor and Alexander underpins key choices, blending loyalty with rivalry. Family ties influence command decisions, risk assessment, and the cost of failure. The mission gradually becomes a test of whether personal loyalty can coexist with professional duty.
What Kind of Film Is Kraken?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A tense and claustrophobic deep-sea thriller that combines military suspense with monster horror, creating a high-stakes adventure of survival and brotherhood.
- tense
- claustrophobic
- suspenseful
- adventurous
- thrilling
- brooding
- submarine rescue
- monster thriller
- military mission
- brotherhood
Content notes: peril at sea, monster attack, military violence.
Quiz
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