The drug dealer-in-trouble story is a familiar one, yet the Canadian thriller In Cold Light, which premiered at Tribeca, injects fresh energy into the genre with a compelling cast and breakneck pacing. While the film prioritizes visceral impact over a tightly woven narrative—leaving some questions unanswered—it maintains a relentless momentum that keeps audiences hooked throughout.
The film opens with the arrest of Ava (Maika Monroe), a tough, resourceful young woman who has clearly made dangerous choices. After serving a prison sentence, she returns to her Alberta hometown to reconnect with her deaf father (Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur, famed for CODA) and her twin brother Tom (Jesse Irving). Ava appears determined to leave her past behind, but Tom remains entrenched in drug dealing, pulling Ava back into a perilous world she’s desperate to escape. A police stop spirals into chaos, forcing Ava to flee from ruthless criminals determined to track her down.
Monroe, known for her roles in genre hits like It Follows and Longlegs, delivers a layered performance that balances grit and vulnerability. When thrust into caring for Tom’s infant, Ava’s tough exterior softens, revealing a maternal depth that adds emotional weight to the story. She is no traditional heroine, but Monroe’s portrayal ensures viewers are deeply invested in her survival against overwhelming odds.
Director Maxime Giroux makes his English-language debut with In Cold Light, wielding enough experience to propel the story through relentless dangers and tense action sequences. The film offers brief moments of respite in scenes featuring Ava’s father, whose mysterious past as a rodeo figure hints at untold stories—though these remain underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more context.
Cinematographer Sara Mishara’s work is a standout element, painting the rugged Alberta landscapes with haunting beauty and providing a textured backdrop rarely seen in typical drug and crime thrillers. Her visual storytelling keeps the audience engaged, even as the film’s violence intensifies.
Adding to the film’s gravitas is Troy Kotsur’s portrayal of Ava’s father, bringing a familiar mix of wisdom and compassion. Helen Hunt, also an Oscar winner, appears late in the movie as the elusive drug boss orchestrating much of the chaos. Though Hunt’s screen time is brief, her commanding presence leaves a strong impression, raising curiosity about a potentially richer backstory that may have been trimmed in editing.
Ultimately, In Cold Light is a hard-edged crime thriller that delivers plenty of violence and tension, yet distinguishes itself through its strong performances and evocative cinematography. The filmmakers succeed in making audiences root for Monroe’s morally complex Ava, navigating an unforgiving underworld—a feat that makes this movie a noteworthy entry in the crime thriller genre.
