In the icy wilderness of Frost (2022), the only thing more terrifying than the freezing cold is the human instinct to survive. Directed by Brandon Slagle, this minimalist, high-tension survival thriller stars Devanny Pinn in a gripping performance that proves horror doesn’t always need monsters—sometimes, isolation and desperation are terrifying enough.
The story centers on Abby, a pregnant woman who joins her estranged father (played by Vernon Wells) on a secluded trip to a remote cabin in the snowy mountains. What begins as a fragile attempt to reconnect quickly turns into a nightmare when a sudden blizzard traps her alone—with no way out, no help coming, and a rapidly deteriorating environment that tests every ounce of her will to live.
At just 82 minutes, Frost wastes no time. It’s an intimate, claustrophobic film that relies on strong atmosphere, emotional tension, and survival horror rather than jump scares or supernatural elements. The cinematography beautifully captures the stark, merciless landscape—white, cold, and indifferent—while the sound design emphasizes every breath, heartbeat, and creaking tree branch to enhance the dread.
Devanny Pinn carries the film with a raw, vulnerable performance. Her physical and emotional transformation is disturbing yet compelling, particularly as the situation worsens and survival instincts push her to unthinkable extremes. This is not just a fight against the elements—it's a psychological descent into primal fear and human endurance.
Vernon Wells, though mostly present in the film’s first act, brings weight to the narrative with his portrayal of a complicated, regretful father. Their fractured relationship adds depth to what could have otherwise been a straightforward survival story.
The film’s horror emerges not from outside forces, but from the sheer hopelessness of Abby’s situation—trapped, injured, freezing, and pregnant. The slow, painful breakdown of her body and spirit creates a creeping terror that lingers long after the credits roll. The final moments are particularly haunting, leaving viewers shaken and unsettled.
However, Frost isn’t for everyone. Its slow pace, minimal dialogue, and small scale may leave fans of traditional horror feeling underwhelmed. The lack of a broader plot or secondary characters puts full pressure on the central performance—which, fortunately, rises to the challenge.
Frost is a stark, harrowing survival thriller that thrives on atmosphere, performance, and a terrifyingly real premise. While it may be too slow or stripped-down for some, it's a haunting meditation on survival, loneliness, and what we’re willing to do when death closes in.
