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.

An above average thriller about a kidnapping, with the added bonus of hearing Emma Thompson do a midwestern accent lol. Her character's backstory (which is revealed in flashbacks throughout the movie), along with her performance, added a touching and endearing enough aspect to the movie that elevated it above just being a run-of-the-mill thriller. Pretty good cinematography in certain parts too.

Written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb, both of which have been credited on some fine films, as musician and actor respectively. So, Dead of Winter was penned by two individuals without a single writers credit between them. How could it possibly go wrong? Watch this film, and find out.

To give it credit, the soundtrack and acting were beyond reproach. In fact, in all aspects apart from the plot, it is a very good film, especially considering that it was likely made to a budget.

It was however, an entertaining and involving 97 minutes, but only if you give yourself over to accepting the numerous bad decisions, plot holes, unfathomable motivations etc that it throws up at regular intervals. Thinking back, the dialogue was surprisingly believable, making it more frustrating to have it in service of such a sloppy plot.

Barb makes a difficult trek through the snow to reach Lake Hilda, only to discover a young girl has been kidnapped. From that moment on, rescuing Leah becomes her mission - whether she's ready for it or not.

There's something wonderfully stripped back about this film. The story, the visuals, even the cast - everything is pared down to the essentials, yet there's a quiet intelligence running through it all. Nothing feels wasted, nothing feels overcooked. It's Scandi noir in all but passport, and you'll find yourself forming theories while watching, even though the real question becomes how on earth Barb is going to get herself and Leah out alive.

There is a slight lull midway through, but with such a limited pool of characters and locations, it's hard to begrudge it. The film never fully loses momentum - it just has a little sit-down to catch its breath.

Barb herself is a terrific creation, save for one rather glaring issue - I'll come to that in a moment. Otherwise she's the perfect reluctant hero: brave, sharp, vulnerable, and - refreshingly - a woman allowed to age like an actual human being. Emma Thompson brings all the warmth, weariness and grit you'd hope for, without a hint of Hollywood polishing.

Now, the accent. Or should I say 'accents'. All 27 of them. One minute she's Rose Nylund, the next she's Pam Ayres on market day. With so many perfectly good regional options available, it's baffling they didn't pick just one and stick to it. Thankfully, her backstory more than makes up for the wobble - those flashbacks actually add depth rather than smothering the film in syrup.

As for the setting... something always feels a touch off, and with good reason. No matter how proudly they hang the Stars and Stripes, this is no Minnesota. This is Finland with a thin coat of American paint, and you can spot the brushstrokes from space.

Still, taken as a whole, it works. It feels real. The action scenes have weight. The performances ring true. And it's genuinely refreshing to see a thriller led by someone who isn't secretly a retired superspy.

Not perfect, but very good - and absolutely worth your time.

7/10.

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.