Dead of Winter – Review

Deep in the wintry Minnesota countryside, the hard-to-find Lake Hilda ushers in a cold setting for this thriller. Barb (Thompson) drives through the frozen roads in search of an old lake which she has fond memories of. She used to spend time ice fishing with her husband Karl when younger. Flashbacks give a taste of this happy time.

In the current time however, she is unsure of where she is going, has no cell service and spots a small cabin with a man outside. She asks for a quick direction to the lake, and notices a spot of blood on the ground. It’s from a deer says the man (Menchaca) there. He gives her a quick route to her desired location and she moves on with her day.

When she hits her familiar lake and frozen water, Barb feels at home with her memories. Then… an intense moment occurs. A girl (Marsden) screams and runs out of the forest, chased by the man seen earlier who catches her and takes her away. Damn, this is a day ruiner.

As Barb reconciles with what she has seen, and her own abilities to help, will she get involved? There does not seem to be many people around, or emergency services to call for help in this remote Minnesotan setting. If she waits too long or goes for help, the girl may not even make it.

A simple and chilling set-up is strengthened by some good actors. As we get to know Barb through flashbacks, we see why she makes some of her choices in the present day. This is not a typical role for Thompson, who is always good, and has no issues with this quick action crime tale. The cast is minimal but the story’s thrills maintain throughout most of the film without too much issue. Judy Greer also landed a solid role for her in this one, too and she nailed it. The story is not revelatory, but it is good enough.