Frost (2025), directed by the visionary filmmaker Jane Campion, is a harrowing and visually arresting survival thriller that cements itself as one of the most gripping cinematic experiences of the decade. Set against the merciless backdrop of an unforgiving Arctic wilderness, the film follows a small group of researchers and explorers as they battle not only the elements but also their own unraveling psyches. With a powerhouse performance by Florence Pugh at its core, Frost is a haunting meditation on isolation, desperation, and the thin line between civilization and primal instinct.

A Frozen Nightmare: Plot and Themes

The film opens with glaciologist Dr. Elara Voss (Pugh) arriving at a remote Arctic research station, where she joins a small team studying the effects of climate change on polar ice sheets. The group, including seasoned survivalist Erik (Joel Kinnaman), biologist Mara (Thuso Mbedu), and tech specialist Liam (John Boyega), initially bonds over their shared mission. However, when a catastrophic storm cuts off all communication and destroys their supplies, their scientific expedition quickly devolves into a fight for survival.

What sets Frost apart from other survival films is its psychological depth. Campion, known for her nuanced character studies (The Power of the Dog), doesn’t just focus on the physical struggle against the cold—she delves into the mental fractures that emerge under extreme duress. As food runs out and frostbite sets in, alliances shift, paranoia festers, and long-buried secrets surface. The film asks: How far would you go to survive? And at what point does humanity freeze over?

Florence Pugh’s Tour-de-Force Performance

Florence Pugh delivers what may be the best performance of her career as Elara, a woman whose intellect and determination are both her greatest strengths and fatal flaws. Pugh masterfully portrays Elara’s transformation from a composed scientist to a desperate, instinct-driven survivor. Her scenes of raw anguish—whether screaming into the void of a blizzard or making an unthinkable moral choice—are nothing short of mesmerizing.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Joel Kinnaman brings rugged intensity to Erik, whose military background makes him both a leader and a liability. Thuso Mbedu’s Mara serves as the emotional anchor, her quiet resilience offering moments of heartbreaking humanity. John Boyega, in a rare dramatic role, shines as Liam, whose optimism slowly erodes into despair.

Visual Poetry in a Frozen Hell

Cinematographer Greig Fraser (Dune, The Batman) turns the Arctic into a character itself—both breathtakingly beautiful and terrifyingly lethal. The vast, white expanses are rendered with an eerie stillness, emphasizing the characters’ insignificance against nature’s indifference. Fraser’s use of natural light—especially the haunting glow of the aurora borealis—adds an almost surreal quality to the film.

The sound design is equally immersive. The howling wind, the creaking ice, and the deafening silence of snow create an oppressive atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. The score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker, Chernobyl), is sparse but devastating, using deep cello drones to amplify the dread.

A Slow Burn That Leaves You Cold (In the Best Way)

Some may argue that Frost moves at too deliberate a pace, but this is where its power lies. Campion refuses to rely on cheap jump scares or over-the-top action. Instead, she builds tension through silence, glances, and the creeping realization that rescue may never come. The film’s most horrifying moments aren’t gory—they’re psychological. A whispered confession, a betrayal in the dark, a final act of sacrifice—each moment lands like a hammer blow.

The third act takes a bold turn into existential horror, evoking The Thing (1982) in its exploration of distrust and dehumanization. Yet Frost remains grounded in emotional realism, making its climax all the more devastating.

Final Verdict: A Modern Survival Classic

Frost is not just a film about surviving the cold—it’s about the frost that forms on the human soul when pushed to its limits. With stunning visuals, a career-defining performance from Florence Pugh, and Jane Campion’s masterful direction, it’s a haunting, thought-provoking experience that lingers like a persistent chill.

Rating: 9.5/10
Must-Watch For: Fans of The Revenant, The Grey, and Arctic.
Best Viewed: In a theater (with a blanket).