Movie Review: Dead of Winter
One-liner: Thompson delivers a strong performance in this emotional, gritty and relentless survival psychological thriller.
Dead of Winter is a psychological action crime thriller from Brian Kirk starring Emma Thompson. Set in northern Minnesota, the story follows Barb, a seasoned fisherwoman, who embarks on a solo journey into the wintry backcountry only to stumble upon a kidnapping involving a teenage girl. Much like its title, this pensive action thriller is set in a snowbound region where the icy conditions turn the situation into a desperate game of survival.
Complicating matters with a kidnapping, Barb is forced to abandon her simple plan to save the young woman’s life. As she uncovers clues, it becomes clear she is trying to thwart a desperate plot by a couple hell-bent on following through with their grisly crime.
Taking place in such cold and snowy conditions and featuring an older lead actress, one of the most prominent parallels is with the film Fargo starring Frances McDormand. Dead of Winter has a similar temperament in terms of the unforgiving environment and a cast of oddball characters. However, while the characters could be at home in the Coen Brothers classic, Dead of Winter is much more emotional and serious, opting to avoid the dark comedy opportunities to drive in a more sincere direction.
The film’s constant weight and oppressive atmosphere are also reminiscent of films like A Simple Plan. While not a heist film, the crime drama’s slow-burning twists and turns keep the focus on the complex motivations of its characters. On the surface, Barb is a fairly simple character, there to appreciate nature, relive nostalgic memories, and bid a fond farewell to a person and place she loves.
Her single-minded disposition translates into a headstrong and relentless drive as an act of altruism takes root. Thompson’s performance adds significant nuance, giving a deep core to this tenacious fisherwoman. Known for her tremendous range in comedy and drama, Thompson is pushed into a much more physical role as she reinvents herself with this thinking person’s psychological thriller.
“This ain’t no winter wonderland…”
Thompson is more than able to roll with the punches, showing pure resilience in the face of growing adversity. Her character doesn’t simply rely on strength, however, managing to outwit and outmaneuver her enemies. In a similar shake-up of expectations, Judy Greer also delivers an uncharacteristic performance. Mostly known for her comedic roles, she manages to capture the neurotic energy and hard-hearted undercurrent of a desperate woman pushed to the edge. She plays opposite Mark Menchaca, whose vulnerability makes for a fascinating counterpoint as a reluctant criminal. The complexity of these villains keeps things fresh, while the relationship dynamics add greater emotional depth as the mystery unfurls.
The emotional weight of this gritty and slow-burning thriller builds as flashbacks provide more answers, anchoring the heart of Barb’s motivation. These glimpses into her fond memories help recapture her youth and unpack her most significant relationship, giving the audience a clearer understanding of who Barb is and what may be pushing her to risk everything.
While the flashbacks offer some relief, their placement disrupts the film’s flow and suspense. Though the film operates like a fairly conventional snowbound kidnapping thriller, it brilliantly kicks into overdrive in the third act. With the constant threat of survival in an unforgiving landscape, the film masterfully taps into the soulful vibrations of Into the Wild as it comes in for a landing, delivering a rich, powerful and unpredictable cinematic punch in its final stages.
The bottom line: Gritty
