Cold Meat delivers an intense, character-driven thriller that thrives in its confined setting. Unlike conventional survival horrors, the film introduces a shifting power dynamic, where Ana, initially David’s prey, gains the upper hand. However, the freezing environment and David’s injury create a high-stakes psychological game where neither can fully trust the other.

Visually, the film makes impressive use of its limited space. The cinematography by Ryan Petey enhances the tension, using close shots and unique perspectives through car mirrors and binoculars. The bleak, frozen landscape further amplifies the characters’ desperation and the film’s eerie atmosphere.

The performances are the film’s strongest aspect. Nina Bergman portrays Ana with grit and determination, making her an unpredictable and resilient character. Allen Leech gives a chilling performance, shifting between charm and menace with unsettling ease. The script, while occasionally relying on exposition-heavy dialogue, keeps the narrative engaging by introducing surprising twists.

While Cold Meat could have easily felt repetitive due to its minimal setting, the strong direction and committed performances prevent it from dragging. The film successfully subverts expectations, blending survival horror with psychological tension in a way that leaves viewers uneasy.

Overall, Cold Meat is a gripping indie thriller that proves you don’t need elaborate set pieces to create suspense. It’s a film that does a lot with very little, making it a must-watch for fans of intense survival horror with psychological depth​.