Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thompson shatters the ice ceiling in tense, snowy thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Dead of Winter
What's the Story?
It's the DEAD OF WINTER when recently widowed Barb Lundquist (Emma Thompson) drives to a remote lake for a day of solo ice fishing. When she stops at an isolated cabin to ask for directions, she realizes that a young woman (Laurel Marsden) is being kept there against her will—and she's the girl's only hope.
Is It Any Good?
Thompson's phenomenal performance in this taut thriller might best be described as "Minnesota Nice on ice." Dead of Winter doubles as a showcase for her range as she plays a widow with a certain set of skills (fishing skills, that is) whose integrity won't permit her to walk away when she realizes that a teen girl is in real danger. Crisp cinematography sharpens the chill, while flashbacks to Barb's warm marriage with her late husband offer welcome thaws from the icy suspense.
The story begins in somewhat murky waters, as we wonder why Barb—the type of female character who's too-often discounted in entertainment—is heading out to fish solo on a remote lake in such fierce cold. But once she arrives at the cabin in the woods, the lines start to tangle. We instantly sense that the man she encounters is up to no good, and we start to form suspicions about what's going on—but the twists in Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb's screenplay keep us reeling, upending our assumptions. Casting sweet-natured Judy Greer as a purple snow-suited villain strains believability, but once the showdown becomes a fight for survival, you betcha: The ending will hook you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Dead of Winter is notable for its portrayal of a female hero in her 60s. Compare it to action thrillers in which a man of a similar age, like Liam Neeson, comes in to save the day. How are older women often portrayed in film? Why is representation important for everyone, including people in underrepresented age groups?
How does Barb demonstrate courage, perseverance, and compassion, and how are all of those qualities connected to her integrity? What does her releasing the man in the cabin reveal about her character?
Did you know the film was set in Minnesota before anyone in the movie said so? What regional hallmarks are included? If a movie was made about where you live, what do you think they'd include as indicators?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 26, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : October 21, 2025
- Cast : Emma Thompson , Judy Greer , Marc Menchaca
- Director : Brian Kirk
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Last updated : October 10, 2025
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