PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I am a short fiction aficionado. This, of course, includes short films. I absolutely love watching and reviewing short films. It’s one of my favorite things I get to do here at PopHorror. We are fans of Sean Temple and Sarah Wisner’s short film, Water Horse (2019): you may read our review here. So, when I read the premise of The Thaw (2023), it definitely piqued my interest. I am not a fan of winter, but I find winter is the perfect setting for horror. So many great horror films are set in the winter. The Shining (1980), Misery (1990) and The Lodge (2020) to name a few.
What did I think of the latest from Sean Temple and Sarah Wisner? Read on to find out.
Synopsis
In 19th century Vermont, a young woman’s parents drink sleeping tea in order to survive the harsh winter, but an early thaw leads to horrifying results.
My Thoughts:
This film is, in a word, amazing. The details of the time period created and the ominous vibes are strong. The film almost immediately sets the tone of not only a harsh winter, but the uncertainty of events that are about to ensue after consuming this sleeping tea.
Ruth (Emily Bennett) is living with her aging parents, Alma (Toby Poser) and Timothy (Jeffrey Grover) on a farm in Vermont in the 19th century. She is living there because her unfaithful husband left her. There is a tea that can be made to allow the elderly to sleep through the harsh winter. Then be safely revived in the Spring. I mean what could go wrong, right?
When a storm blows through, it allows an early thaw. Which breaks ritual and her parents are awakened too soon. What happens next is simply horrifying.
The performances are strong and they are perfection. Timing is impeccable and this film made me extremely uneasy and terrified for these characters. I don’t want to spoil anything, because this is something you need to experience first hand for yourself. Just know that it is worth a watch and it will leave you horrified.
Final Thought:
The Thaw (2023) is so worth a watch. It will leave you uneasy and terrified. If you get a chance to see it, it is a must see.
