Centigrade (2020) is a tense survival thriller directed by Haris S. Zambarloukos and based on true events. Set in the harsh, frozen landscape of Norway, the film follows a married couple, Matt (Vincent Piazza) and Kate (Genesis Rodriguez), who become trapped in their car during a snowstorm while on a road trip. As temperatures plummet and food supplies dwindle, the couple must make desperate decisions to survive against the chilling cold and mounting psychological pressures.

The film’s premise is straightforward yet harrowing, drawing comparisons to survival movies like 127 Hours (2010). What Centigrade does exceptionally well is its ability to create a claustrophobic atmosphere within the confines of the car. As the days pass, the couple’s sense of hope fades, and the audience is left with a palpable sense of urgency. The director’s decision to minimize external distractions, focusing on the psychological dynamics between the characters, ensures that the tension never subsides.

The performances are stellar, especially from Rodriguez and Piazza, who handle the material with emotional depth. Kate’s maternal instincts clash with the survivalist mindset of Matt, which creates a natural conflict that deepens the tension. Their relationship, which is already strained by the trauma of being trapped, forms the emotional core of the film.

However, Centigrade can feel repetitive at times, with the plot largely revolving around the couple’s attempts to survive in a single, isolated environment. While this contributes to the claustrophobic tone, some viewers may find it dragging. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate survival thrillers grounded in realism, Centigrade offers an unsettling and poignant portrayal of human endurance in the face of nature’s unforgiving extremes.
Centigrade is a solid entry in the survival genre, delivering both emotional depth and nerve-wracking suspense. Its chilling atmosphere and strong performances make it an effective, if emotionally taxing, viewing experience.