Centigrade (2020), directed by Brendan Walsh, is a survival thriller that takes an unnerving and claustrophobic approach to storytelling. Inspired by true events, the film follows a married couple, Naomi (Genesis Rodriguez) and Matt (Vincent Piazza), who become trapped inside their car after a sudden snowstorm buries them under thick ice. As days pass and their situation becomes increasingly desperate, tensions rise, and their will to survive is put to the ultimate test.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its commitment to realism. The entire story unfolds within the confined space of the car, creating an intensely claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the couple’s growing sense of hopelessness. The cinematography effectively enhances this feeling, with tight camera angles and dim lighting capturing the cold, isolated environment. The lack of an expansive setting forces the audience to focus solely on the characters and their psychological struggles.
Genesis Rodriguez and Vincent Piazza deliver compelling performances, successfully portraying the fear, frustration, and desperation of being trapped in an inescapable situation. Their chemistry feels authentic, making their emotional breakdowns and conflicts even more impactful. The script explores their backstories through dialogue, gradually revealing past tensions in their relationship that are amplified by their dire predicament.
However, Centigrade is not a film for everyone. Its slow pace and limited setting may test the patience of viewers expecting a more action-driven survival thriller. While the film builds tension effectively, some sequences feel repetitive, and the lack of significant plot twists may make it less engaging for those who prefer fast-paced narratives.
