Edge of Winter (2016) is a Canadian-American psychological thriller directed by Rob Connolly, co-written with Kyle Mann. The film stars Joel Kinnaman as Elliot Baker, alongside Tom Holland and Percy Hynes White as his sons, Bradley and Caleb.
Elliot Baker, a recently divorced father who has lost his job, seizes the opportunity to bond with his two sons during a trip to his remote cabin. As a severe winter storm sets in, the trio becomes stranded. Initially, Elliot appears eager to reconnect, but his behavior grows increasingly erratic and paranoid. Tensions escalate when two hunters seek shelter, leading to violent confrontations. The boys soon realize they must escape their father’s deteriorating mental state to survive the harsh wilderness.

Filming took place in and around Sudbury, Ontario, capturing the stark and frigid landscape integral to the film’s atmosphere. Edge of Winter was released as an iTunes exclusive on August 2, 2016.

The film received mixed reviews. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 50% approval rating based on 22 reviews, while Metacritic assigns a score of 50 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average reviews.” Critics praised the performances, particularly Kinnaman’s portrayal of a father unraveling under pressure. RogerEbert.com highlighted the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and strong acting. However, some reviews pointed out a lack of originality and a predictable plot.

If you’re interested in psychological thrillers that explore family dynamics and survival against the elements, Edge of Winter offers a tense and character-driven experience.
