𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎)

Frozen (2010) is a suspenseful survival thriller film written and directed by Adam Green. Not to be confused with Disney’s animated musical Frozen (2013), this movie is a harrowing tale of survival in a deadly situation, grounded in realism and psychological tension.

The film follows three college friends—Parker (Emma Bell), Dan (Kevin Zegers), and Joe (Shawn Ashmore)—on a ski trip at a remote mountain resort. On their last night, they decide to take one final run down the slopes, convincing a reluctant ski lift operator to let them go up. However, due to a series of miscommunications, the ski lift is shut down while they are still on it, leaving them stranded high above the ground in freezing weather.

As the resort closes for the week, the friends realize no one will come to rescue them, and they are faced with life-or-death decisions. The freezing temperatures, frostbite, and exposure are only part of the danger—they also face psychological stress, deadly heights, and even wolves circling below.

Frozen received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences for its ability to create tension and dread despite its simple premise. Many praised its focus on realism and character-driven storytelling. The film’s use of practical effects and refusal to rely on CGI added to its authenticity, making it a standout in the survival thriller genre.

Some critics, however, noted that the film’s pacing slowed at times and that certain character decisions stretched believability. Despite these critiques, Frozen is widely regarded as an effective and harrowing survival film.

Frozen stands out as a minimalist thriller that relies on psychological tension rather than gore or over-the-top action. Its premise—a small group of people stranded in an everyday location that becomes life-threatening—has inspired similar survival films.