Dead of Winter (2025) Film Review: Endearing Emma Thompson charm carries tense chiller thriller

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Recently widowed, a grieving Barb (Emma Thompson) embarks on a solitary pilgrimage through a snowbound northern Minnesota to go fishing to honour her husband's memory.

However, on the way, she interrupts the kidnapping of a young girl; being hours away from the nearest town and with no phone signal, she must take it upon herself to rescue the girl from her captors.

Directed by Irish born filmmaker Brian Kirk, who also has credits for directing some Game of Thrones (2011 - 2019) episodes, with a screenplay by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb, this suspense filled action/thriller stars British national treasure Emma Thompson in the leading role, as well as Judy Greer and Marc Menchaca as the villainous couple who kidnap young Leah, played by Laurel Marsden.

British acting royalty Emma Thompson stars as a recently widowed woman, who accidentally stumbles upon a kidnapping of a young girl, spurring her on a heroic bid to rescue the terrified captive

The movie opens with an effectively atmospheric, foreboding, and bleak tone well established as Kirk presents the wide, open, frozen, snowy terrain of the prime setting. A lone, old truck travels miles of this unforgiving landscape, as protagonist Barb embarks on her journey, with this heavy sense of isolation and potential danger emphasised through the sheer scope of this treacherous, winter wonderland. There are some lovely shots of snow-caked pine trees and dripping leaves, which showcase the picturesque natural beauty of the location.

Whilst the majority of the screenplay is effective at constructing tense set pieces, the film does often play into seen-before, predictable tropes of the genre, which can lead to some underwhelming moments. One standout example sees Barb discover Leah tied up in the cellar of the secluded cabin she is being held hostage in, where Barb traces a message into the little window and proceeds to leave the evidence in plain sight for the couple to find. Moments like these do take one out of the film; it is never a good sign when you are left questioning baffling character actions and decisions.

The film also employs several flashbacks to happier times with Barb and her husband, Karl (Cúán Hosty-Blaney), with Thompson's actual daughter Gaia Wise playing a younger version of her mother. These sequences are well constructed and performed, strengthening the emotional investment in Barb's character; however, sometimes their placement does detract from current events and interrupt the natural escalation of suspense established in the present.

Through a series of flashbacks, a long, fulfilled, and happy marriage is established as the emotional anchor of Barb's story

The tone does lean into being slightly too sentimental and manipulative towards the film's climax, with a well sign posted conclusion that may be seen as unsatisfying for some.

Having covered the notable drawbacks of the movie, plenty of credit is certainly due to the wonderful Emma Thompson. Her natural star power is definitely the saving grace here, with her grounded, down-to-earth performance as a kind, resilient, and resourceful unlikely hero elevating the film from what could have been more mediocre and forgettable to a cinematic treat. Barb is an incredibly easy lead to root for, as Thompson brings bountiful loads of endearing quirks and charm, greatly humanising the character by earnestly portraying her heartbreaking moments of raw grief.

Due to the setting of the story, Thompson does speak with an American accent, which is a tad jarring at first and takes some getting used to, but it does eventually win you over. Emma spent a lot of time with Minnesota residents to nail down the accent's distinct quips, and she admirably manages to stay consistent and convincing throughout the picture, even during more demanding scenes where her voice wavers due to her character's struggles with her grief.

This is a refreshingly unique role for the actress, and her older age highlights the relatable challenges facing her in this desperate situation, with her slower movements and aging body being irritating setbacks in her goal to rescue the trapped girl. One must respect and admire the filmmakers and Thompson herself for having faith in this original idea of a middle age/older individual being able to overcome her apparent weaknesses in aid of a greater cause. This concept alone is arguably enough to pique audience interest and subsequent engagement with the film.

Judy Greer and Marc Menchaca play a couple with an unhealthy power imbalance, as this increasingly desperate lady will not let anything or anyone tamper with her plans

The selflessness and goodness of Barb are contrasted very well with the cruel, nasty nature of the prime antagonist, played by Judy Greer. The motivations behind the kidnapping which are slowly revealed over the course of the film, are deeply disturbing and highlight the sheer desperation and deluded mindset of the character, forcing her less motivated husband to go along with her insane plan. Both Thompson and Greer create a great sense of conflict between them and play off each other well when in the same scene.

Overall, despite a bit of a messy screenplay which is bogged down by well-anticipated genre clichés and some over-indulgent moments, Dead of Winter offers viewers a riveting action/thriller, set against an eerie wintery backdrop and featuring a powerhouse performance from the always delightful Emma Thompson.

Check out the trailer for Dead of Winter (2025) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!