PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’m a huge fan of thrillers. They often get my blood boiling way more than any typical slasher film. Although those are fun, I love the mystery and suspense that thrillers often deliver. Cold Hell is a new horror thriller that lands exclusively on Shudder on March 15th. Did it deliver the suspense and story I was hoping for?
This horror thriller was directed by Academy Award winner Stefan Ruzowitzky with a screenplay written by Martin Ambrosch. The cast includes Violetta Schurawlow, Tobias Moretti. Sammy Sheik, Friedrich von Thun, and Robert Palfrader.
Official Synopsis for Cold Hell:
Özge is a young Turkish-born taxi driver, who attends evening classes and is an ambitious Thai-boxer. She trains hard and rarely speaks.
One day, Özge witnesses a brutal murder. The suspect is an unhinged serial killer, inspired by extremist Islam. Convinced that the woman has seen him, the two enter a tense life-and-death struggle that will leave neither unscathed.
In his job at the Vienna Police Department, Christian Steiner is often contacted by people of immigrant backgrounds. Years ago, his wife left him – taking their child with her. Since then, he’s been living with his father and caring for him as best he can.
Steiner finds it very difficult to trust other people, especially women… but now, one desperately needs his help.
Cold Hell definitely delivered on the thrills. I was pleasantly surprised. More importantly, it has a compelling story of cat and mouse, fantastic acting along with intriguing character development.
The killer is your typical asshole who thinks he has the right and knowledge to do “God’s work,” to punish the sinners whom he deems unworthy of life and forces to repent. Although I’ve seen stories like this before, his specific targets were interesting, and it was outstanding to learn how long he had been getting away with it. He loves to play cat and mouse, but unfortunately for him, Özge is a fighter.
The acting was amazing, especially by Violetta Schurawlow who plays Özge. She’s such a fucking badass. Although her weakness is not letting anyone in or trusting anyone, you’ve got to admire her strength and ability to keep fighting, not just for herself but for the people she loves.
However, Tobias Moretti, who plays Detective Steiner, is probably my favorite. His character stood out the most to me because of his story; I loved his story. His relationship with his father, the character development between him and Özge, and how he learns how to love and trust again. Both characters appear to have rough exteriors, but inside, they are losing it. Together, they found what they had been looking for.
Beyond the character development, the suspense and thrills will keep you on the edge of your seat as you wait anxiously for the killer to make his next move. Will he kill her? Why is he doing this? Although there isn’t much blood, there are some brutal scenes that deliver a cringeworthy moment or two.
Final Thoughts on Cold Hell:
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I will kindly warn anyone reading this now that the film does start out a bit slow and takes a bit to build up the story and suspense. However, once it gets going, you’ll definitely be hooked. It’s suspenseful with brilliant characters and delivers a story far more than your typical cat and mouse game. If this sounds like your cup of horror tea, be sure to check it out exclusively on Shudder on March 15th!
