[300 Word Review] Frozen (2010)

Frozen On DVD and Netflix Instant Directed by Adam Green Starring Emma Bell, Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Zegers Rating: 3 out of 5

Frozen is another low budget film festival direct to DVD movie that takes a very specific fear and turns it into a steady and tense full length thriller. The set-up is oh so cleverly simple: A trio of friends embark on a skiing/snowboarding weekend. Near closing time they want one more run where they can really cut lose and slice up the hill. A series of believable if unlucky events transpire that strands the friends a few stories up on an immobile ski lift. Moments later the lights go out and after more waiting, it is obvious to the trio that they are indeed stranded.

The set up for Frozen is so minimalistic that I don’t want to give away much else. The script weaves tension and even some humor into the story and the three young actors do a nice job of conveying their relationship dynamics. The few problems regarding the realism of some situations (I guess it is believable that none of the three take cell phones) are easily forgotten as the viewer is asked to be drawn into the story and not wonder why they are not covering their faces with the draw strings of their hoods (awkward filming would result) or even pull their arms out of their jacket sleeves to maximize warmth.

Frozen is able to manifest nearly constant tension and even some gore without becoming overly graphic. It is the small details and the uncomfortable feeling granted by the realism that makes the film work. Several scenes cause cringing and I even turned away from the screen once.

Frozen is available on Netflix Instant and would certainly be a good flick to load up for some quick entertainment which once again shows how low budget can deliver high thrills.

I highly recommend the film.

Coop says 3 out of 5.