Review: Hypothermia

(imdb.com)

For some, ice fishing is a fool's sport. Sitting around a hole in the frigid cold, trailer or not, can be an especially daunting task for the weak spirited. Sure some alcohol may keep you warm, but nothing takes away from the fact that you're sitting on one of the coldest substances on earth. These dangerous conditions, exasperated by something far more terrifying lurking in the water, are what makes Hypothermia so great.

Following a family on an annual ice fishing trip, this B-movie is silly at times, but perfectly captures the essence of classic monster flicks like Creature of the Black Lagoon, while offering quite a punch in its short runtime. From the moment the foursome are set upon by a suspicious and blunt pair of fellow fisherman to the film's bloody unraveling and conclusion, Hypothermia is entertaining, even if the scares aren't the most effective and the dialogue is a little sugar-coated.


Written and directed by James Felix McKenney (Satan Hates You), Hypothermia stars Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy) as the surprisingly sentimental father =, Ray Pelletier, to Benjamin Hugh Abel Forster's (Automation) David and husband to Blanche Baker's (Sixteen Candles) Helen. Supporting actors include Amy Chang (Ace the Case) as David's girlfriend and Don Wood (Satan Hates You) and Greg Finley (Star-Crossed) as Steve and Steven Jr. Each is surprisingly effective, but the true star is Rooker who provides a soft touch to an otherwise hardy role.


Hypothermia definitely has a few flaws including some schlocky practical effects. But, in a world nearly absent of creature features, it’s a nostalgic kick. The plot line is incredibly simple but effective, the characters are likeable - even at their worst - and by the film's end, even though there are some terrible lines spilled from the cast, and viewers should be satisfied. Perhaps it's the taut 72 minute runtime or the power of the actors featured, but Hypothermia is surprisingly watchable and consistently fun.


Hypothermia could benefit from a higher budget, undoubtedly. But for what it is and how intense it becomes, this stumble-on find is definitely worth every second. The setting is beautifully stark and the bloodshed is constantly terrifying. For this film, which is now streaming on Shudder, audiences will find a lot to appreciate. 6 out of 10.