Review of Wind Chill (2007) by Laurence C — 06 Sep 2008

With an unusually simple premise, this gimmickless 'chill', unfortunately, slides into more conventional territory once it approaches its somewhat dissapointing climax. Indeed, despite the quality of its photography, the emphasis on the characters' psychology and the hauntingly beautiful score that perfectly help set the ice-cold mood, the script runs out of steam as it goes along. That, however, is not to say it's without its creepy moments and effective jump scares, but down the line, there is a distinct 'something' missing. And that 'something' is what makes the terror frizzle and die two thirds of the way through.

Thankfully, both leads, especially Blunt, give intense and convincing performances to their (intentionally) thin protagonists. Their fear is so well-portrayed, both by them and the terrific cinematography, I swear I was freezing all the way through. You barely notice the restrained budget.

All in all, Wind Chill resembles a simplistic campfire tale more than anything-- and in my book, it's much more of a good thing than a bad one.