I have always thought that Emma Thompson was immensely talented as an actor. I have an even greater respect for her after watching her as an action hero in Dead of Winter.

Thompson played Barb, who had just lost her husband of many years. She was on the way to an out-of-the-way lake in Minnesota with his ashes when she comes across a snowstorm. Stopping at a cabin for directions, she came across a suspicious couple. Barb does not think anything of it, and she continues to the lake. However, while there, she sees a young adult girl with her hands tied and being held at gunpoint.

Going back to the cabin to investigate, Barb finds the girl, Leah, tied up in the basement of the cabin.

Emma Thompson was like a combination of Marge from Fargo and Dorothy from Fargo TV show. The movie does take time to give us background on Barb and her husband. They met at the lake where he wanted his ashes scattered. Barb was a hero, ready to put her life on the line for this stranger.

The film did a great job of creating a tension while watching. It was never over the top and it kept the audience wondering how Barb was going to get out of the trouble.

Without spoilers, I loved the end of the film. It was unexpected and quite dramatic.

While this may not be the greatest movie I have seen, it was enjoyable watch. Emma Thompson is a brilliant actor and she worked in an action movie way better than I ever expected.

3.5 stars