DEAD OF WINTER
Starring: Emma Thompson, Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, Laurel Marsden, Gaia Wise, and Cúán Hosty-Blaney
Director: Brian Kirk
KATIE
Dead of Winter is a solidly entertaining and straightforward thriller, with an unexpected performance from Emma Thompson. It’s really refreshing to see a woman in her mid-60s in a role like this, and Thompson makes a capable and compelling action hero. Co-star Judy Greer is excellent at playing crazy, and that’s exactly what she does in this role. Yet, although her performance is convincing, I found her character to be underdeveloped, which made her motivations confusing. The story is engaging overall, but the use of flashbacks, which felt disconnected from the narrative and Emma Thompson’s character in the present, is distracting.
NICK
Dead of Winter is an entirely new direction for Emma Thompson, and yet it works for her. Unlike many films where the reluctant hero is a surprise, elite asskicker, Thompson’s Barb is just an older civilian trying to do some good. It gives Winter a different complexion than similar films. As good as Thompson is (Judy Greer is also terrific), the story is filled with plot holes, an over use of flashbacks, and a surprising lack of urgency considering the situation at hand. An oddly beautiful ending aside, this is an average film elevated by some above average performances.
ADRIANO
In full honesty, Dead of Winter didn't seem like something I'd like, but Emma Thompson's involvement had me curious as to why she'd take on this thriller role. The film wound up being about what I expected, minus a rather touching, if not unearned, ending. Thompson and Judy Greer were great, but story-wise, it feels mostly pointless with minimal thrills. While none of the emotional stakes presented got much out of me, I wouldn't call this a waste of my time. Just... an okay movie.
