What Would You Do If You Were Trapped in a Car Under Snow—for Days?
In Centigrade, director Brendan Walsh delivers a minimalist yet nerve-wracking survival thriller based on true events. Released in 2020, this film may not have received massive box office attention, but in the aftermath of a global pandemic and a growing interest in survival stories, Centigrade has aged remarkably well. Watching it in 2025, the film feels more intimate and emotionally piercing than ever before.
The Premise: Simple but Devastating
A young American couple, Naomi (played with gripping intensity by Genesis Rodriguez) and Matt (Vincent Piazza), find themselves trapped in their car during a brutal snowstorm in Norway. What was supposed to be a short stopover turns into a desperate fight for survival as the car becomes buried in snow. Isolated, freezing, and running out of food, the two must confront not only the elements—but also each other.
Claustrophobia, Tension, and Raw Emotion
The brilliance of Centigrade lies in its minimalism. Nearly the entire film takes place inside the car. There’s no cutaway to rescuers, no flashbacks, and no outside world—only the harsh reality of being trapped, inch by inch, both physically and emotionally.
In a world still processing collective trauma from COVID-19 lockdowns and natural disasters, the movie hits hard. The claustrophobia, the uncertainty, and the creeping panic are feelings many can relate to now. The car becomes a symbol of confinement, a pressure cooker for fear, hope, and despair.
Survival Is Not Just Physical
What makes Centigrade more than a survival thriller is its emotional core. Naomi is pregnant. The couple’s already-tense relationship strains under the stress. This isn’t just about surviving hunger and cold—it’s about surviving each other, past mistakes, and the fear of what comes next.
By 2025, audiences have become more attuned to stories that dive into emotional endurance alongside physical survival. Centigrade meets that need. It isn’t just about surviving nature—it’s about surviving life.
True Events, Real Emotions
Loosely inspired by real incidents where travelers became trapped in blizzards, Centigrade reminds us of the raw unpredictability of nature. It quietly critiques the illusion of control and the fragility of routine. One moment you’re driving to a book tour; the next, you’re praying for a miracle in a freezing car.
Why Centigrade Matters in 2025
In a post-pandemic world marked by environmental crises, isolation, and the redefinition of resilience, Centigrade feels more urgent than ever. It’s a stripped-down, slow-burning reminder of how quickly life can shift—and how deeply humans can endure.
If you’re looking for a film that’s tense, personal, and emotionally honest, Centigrade is worth revisiting. It’s not about flashy effects or dramatic rescues—it’s about what we do when we’re truly stuck, and how far we’re willing to go to survive.
