Dead of Winter(2025)

R
Rated R for violence and language.
1h 37m
- Action
- Thriller

Release Date: Sep 26, 2025 | Moderate

A grieving widow driving through snow-covered northern Minnesota stumbles into something far more dangerous than a blizzard. When she discovers a kidnapped teenage girl held by a desperate couple in a remote cabin, she becomes the only hope for the girl’s survival. Stranded without phone service, every step becomes a fight against cold, fear, and ruthless captors in this tense winter thriller.

Releases

Original Release | Sep 26, 2025

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Box Office Results

Results

Opening Weekend US & Canada:
$1,030,111
Total US & Canada:
$1,674,777
Total International
$446,933
Total Worldwide:
$2,121,710

Current Showtimes

Your Location or

(U.S. Only)

Director & Top Cast

Brian Kirk
Director

Emma Thompson
Barb

Judy Greer
Purple Lady

Marc Menchaca
Camo Jacket

Laurel Marsden
Leah

Gaia Wise
Young Barb

Cúán Hosty-Blaney

Young Karl

Dalton Leeb

Younger Hunter

Paul Hamilton

Old Karl

Lloyd Hutchinson

Lawyer

Brían F. O’Byrne

Tall Hunter

Technical Specifications

Sound Mix: 5.1

Aspect Ratio: Digital, Scope

Other Details

Country of Origin: Germany,Canada,United States

Language: English

Summaries

Plot Summary

Dead of Winter is a 2025 American psychological action thriller directed by Brian Kirk and written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb. The film stars Emma Thompson as Barb, a widowed fisherwoman whose quiet life is upended when she gets caught in a blizzard and takes an ill-fated detour to help those in need. Alongside Thompson, the cast includes Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, and Laurel Marsden, portraying the desperate couple and the kidnapped teen she encounters deep in the snow-bound wilderness. Set in the frozen landscape of Minnesota, the story follows Barb as she becomes embroiled in a brutal cat-and-mouse battle with armed abductors after discovering their captive. Isolated from the outside world with no phone signal and miles from help, she must rely on instinct, grit, and unexpected courage to protect the girl and outwit her pursuers. With atmospheric cinematography capturing the stark terrain and tense pacing that keep danger looming, Dead of Winter blends survival thriller elements with emotional depth rooted in loss, resilience, and redemption. The film had its world premiere in the Piazza Grande section of the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 8, 2025, before its limited theatrical release in the United States on September 26, 2025. Dead of Winter has since played in select international markets, drawing attention for Thompson’s performance and its blend of suspense and heart-pounding action.

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Fun Facts

Emma Thompson penned a heartfelt letter praising Finnish crew expertise during the grueling shoot, published in Helsingin Sanomat; President Alexander Stubb personally phoned her to thank her, turning production hardships into an unlikely diplomatic highlight.