Horror Movie Review: Freeze (2022)

From writer and director Charlie Steeds comes Freeze. A monster horror movie with interesting Lovecraftian developments. Held together by a strong cast that includes the likes of Rory Wilton, Johnny Vivash, Charles Redgrave, David Lenik, Ricardo Freitas, Tim Cartwright, and Beatrice Barrilà.

Most of them are characters on the Innsmouth, a ship that has been sent into the freezing cold of the Arctic to find out what happened to a previous expedition. One that never returned and was headed by the friend of Innsmouth captain Mortimer.

It’s a dangerous mission for the small crew of the Innsmouth, and Captain Mortimer has other secretive reasons to be taking it on. Unfortunately, the crew’s fears end up being realised when they get trapped in ice and are attacked by humanoid-fish creatures called Ichthyoids. They are forced to abandon the ship and make their way on foot across the icy tundra to some nearby mountains where they can take shelter in some caves.

However, there they will discover the truth of the previous expedition and that the whole of humanity is at risk.

Freeze is an enjoyable movie overall, even with some notable flaws. Some of which are too egregious to ignore, such as the Arctic having mountains (it doesn’t). Others, such as the small crew for such a large boat, and unimpressive CGI, are easier to let slide. Partially because the movie tells a solid story that gets more and more Lovecraftian as it goes on. Partially because a lot of the cast are good and deliver their performances with much gusto.

They add the energy needed to what can be a slow movie at times. Yet, the pacing never falls off a cliff, thanks to the developing mystery and deepening H.P. Lovecraft ties. Even if it’s a mash-up of several ideas.

Strangely, where it fails to ignite much passion, is with the Ichthyoids themselves. Mindless creatures that pop in and out of the movie. Visually, they look alright. It’s full-bodied costumes here, no CGI. However, they don’t get involved enough to become fearsome and the film doesn’t have much in the way of gore. In fact, a lot of their attacks are off-screen.

Instead, it’s the expected human versus human conflict that delivers the thrills. The crew turning on each other, especially when the captain’s true purpose for being there, is revealed. Again, this comes down to the quality of acting.

With a bit more money, a tighter script and few less errors, Freeze could have been a great movie. Yet, in spite of all that, the effort put in is notable and ensures it’s far from a forgettable experience.