Dead of Winter

Greetings again from the darkness. So how do we fill the gap with solo action-thrillers now that Liam Neeson is making comedies? It's a bit surprising, but some creativity and thinking outside the box occurred with the casting of two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson in this latest from director Brian Kirk (21 BRIDGES, 2019). The story comes from two first time screenwriters, both known for other talents. Nicholas Jacobson-Larson is best known as a composer, while Dalton Leeb is an actor.

Ms. Thompson stars as Barb, a woman carrying the heavy burden of grief. Her husband has recently passed and his final wish was for his remains dumped in Lake Hilda, the site of their first date. The location is the frozen tundra of Minnesota (apologies to Green Bay fans), and we can't help but wonder how many times Ms. Thompson watched FARGO (1996), studying the accent of Frances McDormand's Marge Gunderson. Initially it's a bit jarring hearing that accent from a Brit who excelled in films such as SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1995) and THE REMAINS OF THE DAY (1993), but of course, the talented actor pulls it off.

Barb's emotional trip goes sideways when a gunshot alerts her to a girl being hauled away by the man she had recently asked directions from. In this day of 'mind your own business', Barb could have just proceeded with her husband's ashes and headed back home. Alas, 'Minnesota nice' doesn't permit such neglect of those in peril. What follows is a game of cat and mouse ... a battle of wits and guns. Barb lacks a particular set of skills other than 'street smarts', while Leah (Laurel Marsden, THE POPE'S EXORCIST, 2023) is being held captive in the cabin basement by the man (Marc Menchaca, "Ozark") and his puffy purple jacket wearing wife (Judy Greer). The reason for this kidnapping is hinted at, but isn't fully explained until later (revealing an outlandish plan).

Brian Kirk delivers an entertaining thriller and cinematographer Christopher Ross takes full advantage of the snow and ice covered setting. Judy Greer is surprisingly effective as the vile and menacing woman (a departure from her usual roles) so desperate to save herself, while Marc Menchaca is a reluctant accomplice, and Emma Thompson is a formidable foe standing in their way. The flashbacks come a bit too frequently and really don't add much to an already dramatic, emotional, and frenzied situation ... which all begins with a closely-held tackle box. Despite that, the film nails the ending ... cold.

Opening in theaters on September 26, 2025.

The movie was a bit slow but good lord every shot is beautiful. They use that blue-ish lighting that when combined with the expansive forrest transports to you the frozen wilderness. Emma Thompson is always awesome and Judy does a surprisingly good job in a villain role. Totally worth checking out in theaters while it's there.

The more I think of the plot the more painfully incredulous the motivating factors of the antagonists are laid bare. It is more than a bit bizarre and you wonder why on earth you would think they could do this.

Having said that, Emma Thompson really does carry the film. Her characters emotional depth is certainly felt and we instantly know how her backstory influences the decisions she makes during the course of the film.

The barrenness of the winter landscape certainly adds to the sense of emotional desolation but also later the strange sense of peaceful solitude.

Still, I think the initially different tone of this thriller develops into a fairly absurd plot that lets the film down a bit.

I just watched. My rating is 5.0 - average at best.

What I like: the movie, most of all, has good cinematography. The barren, snow covered winter setting looks so peaceful, like someplace you'd read about in a Robert Frost poem. I like the lead actress. She is likable and charming, with her Sarah Palin-esque lines. The movie's set-up is excellent: the first 30-40 minutes really had me hooked, and I thought I was in for a great suspense/thriller

Unfortunately, I think the movie stumbles hard in the middle and end. The movie's pacing really begins to drag; certain scenes are drawn out to the point where they felt like fluff. Basically, I kept getting the feeling of, "Can this movie just move along now?" ... in addition, characters begin to make dumb decisions, like not killing someone when they have a chance. There's some bad CGI in the finale. The conclusion is unsatisfying. Given their intentions, the villains could and should have been presented with more shades of gray instead of the simple "they're the bad guys."

It's an average quality movie at best

5.0/10.

I'd give this film a 7.5. It was s solid thriller. I saw it at Screen Unseen at AMC. It was already on my list, so that was lucky.

No frills, no gimmicks, just good old fashion filmmaking. Story was basic, but the writing was good. The acting was believable for the most part. The pacing was good.

There were several predictable moments, but it wasn't all predictable. I loved the cinematography (10/10). The landscape offered some beautiful shots and they didn't waste it.

Good direction. Nice little flick. My girlfriend and I both enjoyed it.