The Last Winter

Actor/director Larry Fessenden is no stranger to making low-budget films appear to have big budgets and The Last Winter is just another example. Although there's no word on the actual budget, while watching the movie you'll get the impression that it had to have been well over a million. This is a psychological movie that plays on the character's paranoia and fear of the unknown, which we see little in the genre now-a-days.

Inspired by films like John Carpenter's The Thing, the story revolves around a group of people working for an oil company in Northern Alaska, where it seems like the pristine land is slowly beginning to fight back against man's injustice to the environment. Slowly, each member of the crew either end up missing, or insane, leaving only a few survivors to seek aid. Will they make it in time or will the vengeful spirit of Mother Nature dispose of them?

The atmospheric movie is very slow-paced, but never once lost my interest, thanks to the performances from all the leading actors, especially star Ron Perlman. A foreboding sense of dread was apparent throughout the film, and since little is known as to what's really out there that's causing the group to go insane, we're left guessing, that is, until towards the end. There's also a lot of brilliant scenery of Iceland, where much of the movie is filmed.

Sadly, the film does suffer from some bad CGI, especially towards the end of the film, which makes it a little hard to take seriously. It would have been nice had some points been explored further, but this is the type of movie that would rather keep the viewer guessing than deliver all the answers.

OVERALL

A good movie that relies on its atmosphere and actors to keep the pace going. The film offered some nice scenery and performances, and delivered nice mood and atmosphere; however, there wasn't much in terms of tension or scares, and it suffered from some bad CGI towards the end. If you're looking for a slow-paced moody-thinker then check it out.

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RockmanForte :

Posted 68 days ago

What is this box thing ? This movie didnt say anything about it very much and it disappointed me and at the end doesnt satsifactory at all. The monster deer or look like deer is very cool and need to show more often. Very disappointment indeed

Geoff :

Posted 104 days ago

-this isa little gem. I totally "get it" and was not disappointed in the cgi as much as I am in your dumb ass review. According to your "rating" -Iam Legend, rates higher than this understated and well written film. I am Legend was a total let down and now I know what type of movie turns your crank. I rate you 3.5 just for trying.
GG

Daisu :

Posted 117 days ago

I really enjoyed the movie, they could done better for the cgi but cgi not as bad as some of those direct to dvd. This movie kinda reminds of The Mist, but enjoyed this one alot more.

swindle :

Posted 148 days ago

Larry Fessenden is a great director, and can do so much with so little money. Check out his other films (No Telling, Habit, and Wendigo).

george :

Posted 155 days ago

i actually think this looks real good, about time the americans made an original horror film, not done one since probably the Thing or Halloween.

chris :

Posted 252 days ago

I saw this the other night - not fantastic. CGI monster is gaod awful as well.
Seemed more like a film about global warming than anything - nothing like Alien, and the only sonnection to The Thing was the snow

frightie :

Posted 347 days ago

Looks surprisingly good.

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