Thrillers set against a snowy backdrop have been an aesthetic choice for years. The calm but deadly environment is often used as an obstacle for characters to overcome or perish in, adding to the rising human threat around them. When used well, a wintery setting can be incredibly effective at bringing the chills.
To celebrate the release of Cold Pursuit on 24th June, we take a look at some of the best crime thrillers set against the snow.
Fargo (1996)
The Coen Brothers’ classic sees the inept Jerry (William H. Macy) embark on a kidnapping scheme in order to escape his financial problems. As the plan falls apart and what was supposed to be a victimless crime turns bloody, a tenacious local sheriff (Frances McDormand) sets her sights on solving the ever-increasing number of murders.
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
In the star-studded Agatha Christie thriller, the greatest detective in the world, Hercule Poirot, is travelling aboard the luxurious Orient Express with a host of unknowing passengers. When a murder is committed in one of the train’s cabins, and an avalanche derails the train leaving everyone trapped inside, Poirot must solve the most challenging mystery of his illustrious career.
Wind River (2017)
When wildlife officer Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) discovers a frozen dead body deep in the vast snowy white territory of Wind River Indian Reservation, the FBI is called, and agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is dispatched to investigate. The pain team up to find out what happened to the young woman but Cory is haunted by his past and solving his own internal struggle. During its premiere at Cannes Film Festival, the film received an 8-minute standing ovation at the end.
A Simple Plan (1998)
On the way back from their father’s grave two brothers and an acquaintance stumble into the woods after following a fox. By chance, the men come across a crashed plane, and when looking for survivors inside, discover a black bag containing $4.4 million. They decide to hide the money until the plane has been discovered by someone else and the story has settled, but tensions are high as the FBI descends on the town and mistrust grows amongst the three men.
Related: The best female cops on film
The Grey (2011)
A team of oil workers boards a flight from Alaska to go home, however, due to a cross storm the plane crashes. Only a few workers survive including John Ottoway (Liam Neeson), who hunts and kills a wolf to protect the workers and keep them alive. Soon he discovers that they are surrounded by a wolf pack and advises the group to take shelter in the nearby woods. As they make their treacherous trip through the snow, the wolves close in on the group in the ultimate story of survival.
Cold Pursuit (2019)
The local police aren’t used to much action until the son of unassuming town snowplow driver, Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson), is murdered at the order of Viking (Tom Bateman), a flamboyant drug lord. Fuelled by rage and armed with heavy machinery, Nels sets out to dismantle the cartel one man at a time, despite the fact that his understanding of murder comes mainly from what he’s read in crime novels.
COLD PURSUIT comes to Digital Download on 17th June and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Steelbook on 24th June. Pre-order your copy now: https://amzn.to/2UYJ6HD.
