Centigrade (2020) is a tense 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 are trapped in their car during a snowstorm while on a road trip. As temperatures drop and food supplies dwindle, the couple must make desperate decisions to survive against the bone-chilling cold and mounting psychological pressures.
The film’s premise is simple yet harrowing, drawing comparisons to survival films such as 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 pᴀss, the couple’s sense of hope fades, and the audience is left with a palpable sense of urgency. The director’s decision to minimize external distractions, focusing on the psychological dynamics between the characters, ensures that the tension never wanes.
The performances are stellar, especially from Rodriguez and Piazza, who handle the material with emotional depth. Kate’s maternal instincts clash with Matt’s survivalist mentality, which creates 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 repeтιтive at times, with the plot largely revolving around the pair’s attempts to survive in a single, isolated environment. Although this contributes to the claustrophobic tone, some viewers may find it dragging. However, for those who appreciate survival thrillers grounded in realism, Centigrade offers a haunting and moving picture of human resilience in the face of nature’s unforgiving extremes.
Centigrade is a solid entry in the survival genre, delivering both emotional depth and edgy suspense. Its chilling atmosphere and strong performances make for an effective, if emotionally draining, viewing experience.
