The Thaw
Rated R for violence, disturbing images, language and brief sexuality.
Director: Mark. A. Lewis
Written by OBS Staff Member Rose
Synopsis
At a research station on Banks Island, a remote region of the Canadian Arctic, Dr. David Kruipen (Val Kilmer), a renowned environmental advocate, and his team discover the real horror of global warming is not the melting ice, but what’s frozen inside it. While tracking and studying polar bears, a prehistoric parasite is released from the remains of a Woolly Mammoth. When four ecology students make the trek up to meet the team (unbeknownst to the threat), they are forced to quarantine those infected and make necessary sacrifices. Faced with a potentially global epidemic, they must destroy the parasite before it puts the rest of the world in danger of infection.
Review
Choosing movies is potluck sometimes; you have no idea what kind of taste it will leave in your mouth, if your not sure of the dish. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It’s a shame the bulk of Val Kilmer’s movies of late head straight to DVD. I wish there was more Val Kilmer in the film since he is a talented thespian, unfortunately he only has a supporting role.
Global warming (a controversial topic in the world at present) as well as natural infections threatening the globe, is the focal point of this film. What can we do as citizens of the world to help this planet, to help our future generations? How far will one go in their sacrifice?
In reality, there is a great divide between people who see it as a major threat and those who think it is all propaganda or something the next generation should worry about. In touching upon these themes, The Thaw is a smart horror film.
Speaking of horror, if you’re squeamish and have a distain for bugs (as I do) get ready for some heebie geebies. Nothing screams skeevatz more than a subcutaneous infestation. My skin is crawling just writing about it. The ew factor only escalates and it does make for great entertainment.
Hold the popcorn though. Trust me you won’t want to eat while watching.
Rating: 7.5/10 stars
Running time: 94 minutes
