THE THAW
Filmmakers Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple‘s striking horror folktale has been killing it on the festival circuit, and rightly so. THE THAW tells the story of a family running low on food for the winter months, tasking their daughter to prepare a sleeping tea that would put them into a deep hibernation state. It does not go well.
Amanda Bowman‘s sound mixing plays a vital role in the film’s creeping intensity. Demi Waldron‘s black and white cinematography is a breathtaking choice combined with Abby Swindler‘s string-heavy score.
I’m not just saying all these nice things because the film happens to feature two of my favorite genre people (and internet friends), Emily Bennett and Toby Poser. Wisner and Temple earn each moment.
Jeffrey Grover is Timothy. His aggressive masculinity is utterly terrifying. His physical performance is shocking. Toby is an opinionated but protective mother. Her gentle vocal tone as Alma is spot on. The matriarch of the Adams Family, her presence is notable to genre junkies.
Emily plays Ruth with a fearful innocence and tenacity. Bennett has that inarguable “it” factor in transforming for each new role. From The King Of Knives to Alone With You, her talent should make her a household name.
A gorgeously detailed production design ties it all together. Would I watch an expanded version of this universe? Absolutely. THE THAW is a real treat for Popcorn Frights 2024 and beyond.
THE THAW – Teaser from Sean Temple on Vimeo.
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Director: Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple
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Screenwriter: Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple
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Producer: Darren Bailey, Nathan Sellers, Sarah Wisner, Sean Temple
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Cast: Emily Bennett, Jeffrey Grover, Toby Poser
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Cinematographer: Demi Waldron
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Editor: Sean Temple
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Production Design: Deidra Catero
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Sound Design: Sean Temple and Eli Cohn
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