Like Allison Janney’s Lou (2022), Dead of Winter is Emma Thompson’s turn to embrace her age and wrinkles while still proving what a tough, resourceful old bird she can be. Barb is in mourning, and her memories of her husband, Karl (Cúán Hosty-Blaney), are coursing through her as she’s searching for Lake Hilda, where they had their first date. She comes upon a cabin to ask for directions from “Camo Jacket” (Marc Menchaca), but something seems off, and it is. Camo Jacket and his wife “Purple Lady” (Judy Greer) are up to some shady business, but can an old, unarmed woman rescue Leah (Laurel Marsden) from these two armed assailants who clearly have nefarious plans for the girl.
DEAD OF WINTER
What’s it rated? R
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? HBO Max
Thompson is terrific as Barb, with her Midwestern accent. She’s straddling between heartbreaking loss and the determination not to let down a desperate girl chained up in a basement. Both Hosty-Blaney and Greer offer complex takes on the bad guys—she’s in need of an organ transplant while he wants to do the right thing but also save his wife. Their relationship and its limits are integral parts of the story.
The wintery landscape offers a severe backdrop to this chilly psychological tale. (98 min.). ∆
This article appears in March 12-19, 2026.