Centigrade (2020) is a survival thriller directed by Haris S. Zambarloukos and based on true events. Set in the harsh, frozen landscape of Norway, the film follows a married couple, Matt (Vincent Piazza) and Kate (Genesis Rodriguez), who become trapped in their car during a blizzard while on a road trip. As temperatures drop and food supplies dwindle, the couple must make desperate choices to survive the freezing cold and mounting psychological pressures.
The filmโs premise is simple yet harrowing, drawing comparisons to survival films like 127 Hours (2010). What Centigrade does exceptionally well is its ability to create a claustrophobic atmosphere within the confines of the car. As the days pass, the coupleโs sense of hope fades, and the audience is left with a palpable sense of urgency. The directorโs decision to minimize external distractions, focusing instead on the psychological dynamics between the characters, ensures that the tension never wanes.
The performances are stellar, especially those of Rodriguez and Piazza, who handle the material with emotional depth. Kateโs maternal instincts clash with Mattโs survivalist mentality, creating a natural conflict that deepens the tension. Their relationship, already strained by the trauma of being trapped, forms the emotional core of the film.
However, Centigrade can feel repetitive at times, as the plot largely revolves around the coupleโs attempts to survive in a single, isolated environment. While this contributes to the claustrophobic tone, some viewers may find it tiresome. However, for those who appreciate survival thrillers grounded in realism, Centigrade offers a haunting and poignant portrayal of human resilience in the face of natureโs unrelenting extremes.
