About the film

Expanding on the internationally recognized short Unwavering, Menace ventures deeper into the heart of the Arctic—one of the planet’s most extreme and unforgiving environments. Filmed over several years, the feature-length documentary captures the timeless struggle of the musk oxen, rugged and majestic creatures that have endured since the Ice Age.

Following the herd through the brutal rhythm of the seasons—fierce autumn battles for dominance, the fragile hope of new life, relentless predator hunts, and the merciless grip of winter—Menace reveals a world shaped by endurance and adaptation. Through breathtaking imagery and an evocative original score by Christian Heschl, the film explores what it means to survive at the top of the world.

Narrated with subtle grace by acclaimed British actress Daisy Head (The Gray House, Shadow and Bone, The Sandman), Menace is both a tribute and a warning—a meditation on resilience, fragility, and the unseen menace threatening these ancient creatures of the far North. The film invites viewers to look beyond the visible and question what truly endangers these ancient survivors.

With Menace, director Chris Schmid creates a cinematic experience that immerses the viewer through emotion, atmosphere, and mystery—far removed from traditional wildlife documentaries. The result is a powerful story of strength, legacy, and the invisible forces shaping the future of our planet’s most remote wild places.

Produced by Stay Wild Studio, Menace is slated for release in 2026. The executive producers are Mélanie & Chris Schmid.