Wind Chill, a Movie Review

Wind Chill stars Ashton Holmes (with co-starring roles in Peaceful Warrior and A History Of Violence, also really good movies), Emily Blunt (English-born actress with a long list of movie credits herself, including The Devil Wears Prada, Charlie Wilson's War and The Jane Austen Book Club) along with supporting actors Martin Donovan, Ned Bellamy and Ian Wallace. Released in 2007, it was entirely filmed in Vancouver, BC Canada, however the story line is based in the upper eastern US. Wind Chill, which is produced by George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh and Ben Cosgrove, is classified under the genre of thriller, horror and rated R. Although it seemingly appears to be a low-budget movie, with only a handful of supporting cast and few scene changes (most of the scenes centering around Ashton Holmes and Emily Blunt), it is nonetheless brilliantly directed by Gregory Jacobs.

The story opens in a college classroom where the young woman is texting with a fellow classmate. This is the last day of school before Christmas break and she is letting her friend know that she'll be taking the long bus ride to Delaware, to spend the holidays with her family. Unbeknownst to her, another fellow classmate is looking over her shoulder, watching her as she texts her messages back and forth. Her friend suggests that she check the school bulletin board to see if anyone is travelling her way, that she could possibly catch a ride with, thus avoiding a long boring bus ride alone. Seeing this, the young man sitting behind her, rushes to post a message of his own on the board, offering to share a ride to Delaware.

This sets in motion, events that will put them on the path of a deserted, winding country road with a ghastly history of death and mayhem. They soon find themselves stranded in the darkness of night, with temperatures dipping below freezing, encountering a few ghostly figures from the past.

Was this in the young man's plan? Is he really some kind of psychopath? Did she unwittingly let her guard down in accepting a ride home from a stranger? Will she make it through the long, agonizing night?

Wind Chill does keep you on the edge of your seat, from start to finish. However, the viewer soon finds themselves not just shaking in fear, but also becoming quite involved with the story line and in feeling a sense of connection to the two main characters. Even though their names are never revealed in the movie(which adds to the suspense and quality of direction), you can't help but become entranced by their characters, and the predicament they find themselves in.

There is little doubt that these two young actors will be in high demand. Their acting is superb and the characters they portray are exceptionally believeable.

I give Wind Chill a 2 thumbs up. Personally, I've watched this movie at least eight times now. It's definitely one to watch more than once. It's one of those movies that, like an exceptionally good novel, you almost feel a bit sad when it's over, wishing it would have gone on for at least a little while longer. The surprise ending leaves the viewer spellbound. You may just find yourself watching it again and again.