Hypothermia (film)

Last updated
Hypothermia
Hypothermia.jpg
Official movie poster
Directed by James Felix McKenney
Written byJames Felix McKenney
Produced by
Starring Michael Rooker
Blanche Baker
Greg Finley
Benjamin Forster
Amy Chang
Don Wood
CinematographyEric Branco
Edited byNeal Jonas
Production
companies
Distributed by Dark Sky Films
Release date
  • October 2, 2012 (2012-10-02)
Running time
72 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Hypothermia is a 2012 American independent horror film written and directed by James Felix McKenney. [1] It stars Michael Rooker, Blanche Baker, Greg Finley, Don Wood and Amy Chang. [2] The film centers on a family out ice fishing only to discover that something deadly is stalking them from the icy waters.

Contents

Plot

On an icy lake, Ray Pelletier scouts out a good ice fishing spot for his family. He falls through the ice. Back at the cabin, his wife Helen, son David and his son's girlfriend Gina are waiting for him. Helen asks David and Gina what their plans are after college, and they mention that they will be joining the Peace Corps and going to Uganda following graduation.

Meanwhile, something in the water watches Ray as he struggles. He gets out of the water as his family goes out searching for him. The creature follows David. David finds Ray passed out from exhaustion. They return to the cabin, where Gina examines him. Ray assures everyone he is fine. The creature watches the family from a window.

The next day, the family drills through the ice as the creature watches from underneath. They see a truck arrive on the ice, towing a trailer. Steve Cote and his son Steven Jr. set up for ice fishing. Ray eventually gets annoyed at their loud music and asks the Cotes to turn it down, which they do. The Cotes then drive away in the truck, leaving their trailer.

Soon after, the Cotes return on snowmobiles, chasing the creature under the ice. The creature and the men head straight for the family. The creature snags all of their lines and their rods break. The Cotes are frustrated that they did not catch the creature. The two groups socialize and the men offer to fish with them, but the Pelletiers decline. Later while walking back to their fishing hole, the family spots the creature heading straight for the men. Steven Jr. attempts to reel it in, but it pulls him down. Steve grabs his ankles, and Ray grabs Steve and they all pull Steven Jr. up. They notice that he has a huge gash on his arm and Steve takes him inside.

The Cotes believe it can sense vibrations and is eating everything in the lake. Steve invites the Pelletier family to dinner and they reluctantly accept, since they have nothing, having planned to eat whatever they had caught. During dinner, Steven Jr. begins to feel disoriented, and his wound squirts blood onto Gina. They treat the wound, which looks infected. Steven Jr. insists the creature is not a fish because it had legs. The family urges Steve to take him to the hospital, but he refuses, implying his son is too tough to need a doctor.

Later, Ray, Steve and David are out on the ice, running a motor to disorient the creature's senses. Steven Jr. comes out from the trailer and collapses as soon as the others see him. They hear a noise and the creature attacks, grabbing Steven Jr. and pulling him into the water. Steve jumps in after him, but sees that his son is dead. Ray jumps in and retrieves Steve.

When Steve wakes up, they decide to leave as soon as he is ready. They also tell Steve that he was cut by the creature. When Steve tries to get up, his cut oozes as if infected. Steve yells about wanting to hunt down the creature that killed his son. The family calms him down and they agree to leave in the morning.

As they rest, Ray hears Steve starting the snowmobiles to attract the creature. As Steve argues with Ray, he begins to experience the same disorientation that his son felt earlier. The creature attacks after David comes out to see what is going on, and takes Steve with it. When it returns, David and Ray get into the trailer, but David now has a cut on his face. Helen panics and sucks out the venom. They stay in the trailer to hide from the creature. They decide to wait for an opportunity to leave. As David lies on the floor, the creature's hand pushes through the lid in the floor and claws at David, cutting his throat and killing him.

In the morning, Gina reveals she and David had planned to get married before going into the Peace Corps, and that they were going to announce it last night at dinner, but never got a chance with all that happened. Ray grabs one of Steve's guns and the family goes outside. Gina views Steve's remains with horror. Ray attempts to attract the creature by starting the snowmobiles, but they will not start. They hear a sound, and look back to see that Steve's body is gone as the creature eats his body underwater. As they continue walking, they see the shadow of the creature swimming under the ice beneath them. Ray urges Helen and Gina to get to the shore while he fights the creature off. The creature rams the ice under Ray so that it cracks and breaks under his weight. Ray is killed. The creature stalks Helen and Gina. When it catches them, it stares them down as Helen talks to it. It leaves them and the women calmly walk toward the cabin.

Cast

Production

Hypothermia was shot in Mayfield, New York at Great Sacandaga Lake, finishing in March 2010. [3]

Release

The film was released on DVD by Dark Sky Films on October 2, 2012. [4]

Reception

Hypothermia received mostly negative reviews upon its release. Dread Central awarded the film a score of 2.5 out of 5, criticizing the film's minimal plot, character development, editing, and monster costume, which they called "laughably cheap". The review did, however write, "That said, there’s still enjoyment to be derived from both the competently made and laughably bad sides of Hypothermia. An ungainly mix, to be certain, but one I can semi-recommend to fans of old fashioned monster movies." [5] Rob Getz from HorrorNews.net stated that the film started out strong, with good cinematography, building of tension, and establishment of its sparse characters. However, Getz further stated that the film was ruined by the "cheesy" monster costume, and anticlimactic finale, calling it "a shameful waste of potential". [6] Felix Vasquez of Cinema Crazed similarly criticized the film's monster design, and finale, while also criticizing the film's off kilter tone and writing. Vasquez concluded his review by writing, "I wish I could recommend this and boast about it being a hidden gem, but in the end it’s merely forgettable and only worth trying for the sake of Rooker." [7] Ian Jane from DVD Talk gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, writing, "Hypothermia features a decent performance from a top billed Michael Rooker and has the potential to be a fun little monster movie but never quite lives up to its potential." [8] Jason Coffman from Film Monthly called it "a lean, suspenseful horror show", while noting the low-budget monster design, he commended the film's acting, natural chemistry between characters, and convincing gore effects. [9]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Mummy</i> (1932 film) 1932 film

The Mummy is a 1932 American pre-Code supernatural horror film directed by Karl Freund. The screenplay by John L. Balderston was adapted from a treatment written by Nina Wilcox Putnam and Richard Schayer. Released by Universal Studios as a part of the Universal Classic Monsters franchise, the film stars Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Edward Van Sloan and Arthur Byron.

<i>Pumpkinhead</i> (film) 1988 film by Stan Winston

Pumpkinhead is a 1988 American supernatural horror film. It was the directorial debut of special effects artist Stan Winston. The film has built up a cult following since its release. The first in the Pumpkinhead franchise, it was followed by a direct-to-video sequel, two TV film sequels, and a comic book series. The film was originally called Vengeance: The Demon and it was inspired by a poem written by poet Ed Justin. The film inspired a video game called Bloodwings: Pumpkinhead's Revenge.

<i>The Blob</i> 1958 film by Irvin Yeaworth

The Blob is a 1958 American independent science fiction horror film directed by Irvin Yeaworth and written by Kay Linaker and Theodore Simonson. It stars Steve McQueen and Aneta Corsaut and co-stars Earl Rowe and Olin Howland. It was distributed by Paramount Pictures as a double feature with I Married a Monster from Outer Space.

<i>The Wolf Man</i> (1941 film) American horror film

The Wolf Man is a 1941 American gothic horror film written by Curt Siodmak and produced and directed by George Waggner. The film stars Lon Chaney Jr. in the title role. Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, Evelyn Ankers, and Maria Ouspenskaya star in supporting roles. The title character has had a great deal of influence on Hollywood's depictions of the legend of the werewolf. The film is the second Universal Pictures werewolf film, preceded six years earlier by the less commercially successful Werewolf of London (1935). This film is part of the Universal Monsters movies and is of great cinematic acclaim for its production.

<i>Zaat</i> 1971 American film

Zaat is a 1971 American independent science fiction horror film produced and directed by Don Barton, and co-written by Barton, Lee O. Larew and Ron Kivett. Produced on a $50,000 budget, the film stars Marshall Grauer as a mad scientist who aims to transform himself into a mutation to seek revenge on those who spurned him.

<i>Silver Bullet</i> (film) 1985 film by Dan Attias

Silver Bullet is a 1985 American horror film based on the 1983 Stephen King novella Cycle of the Werewolf. It stars Gary Busey, Everett McGill, and Corey Haim, with Megan Follows, Terry O'Quinn, Lawrence Tierney, Bill Smitrovich, Kent Broadhurst, David Hart, and James Gammon in supporting roles. The film is directed by Dan Attias, written by King and produced by Martha De Laurentiis.

<i>Toolbox Murders</i> 2004 American film

Toolbox Murders is a 2004 American slasher film directed by Tobe Hooper, and written by Jace Anderson and Adam Gierasch. It is a remake of the 1978 film The Toolbox Murders and was produced by the same people behind the original. The film is centered on the occupants of an apartment who are stalked and murdered by a masked killer.

<i>Leviathan</i> (1989 film) 1989 film by George P. Cosmatos

Leviathan is a 1989 science fiction horror film directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by David Webb Peoples and Jeb Stuart. An international co-production of the United States and Italy, it stars Peter Weller, Richard Crenna, Ernie Hudson, Amanda Pays and Daniel Stern as the crew of an underwater geological facility stalked and killed by a hideous mutant creature. Its creature effects were designed by Academy Award-winning special effects artist Stan Winston.

<i>The Mummys Hand</i> 1940 film directed by Christy Cabanne

The Mummy's Hand is a 1940 American horror film directed by Christy Cabanne and produced by Ben Pivar for Universal Studios. Shot in black-and-white, the film is about the ancient Egyptian mummy of Kharis, who is kept alive with a brew of tana leaves by The High Priest and his successor Andoheb. Meanwhile, archeologists Steve Banning and Babe Jenson persuade magician Solvani to finance an expedition in search of the tomb of Princess Ananka. They are joined by Solvani's daughter Marta, and followed by Andoheb who is also the professor of Egyptology at the Cairo Museum. Kharis is ordered to kill off expedition members Dr. Petrie and Ali, while Andoheb becomes attracted to Marta who he plans to kidnap and make immortal.

<i>Revenge of the Creature</i> 1955 American monster film by Jack Arnold

Revenge of the Creature is a 1955 3D monster film directed by Jack Arnold and produced and distributed by Universal-International. A sequel to the previous year's Creature from the Black Lagoon, it is the only 3D film released in 1955. Produced by William Alland, the film stars John Agar, Lori Nelson, John Bromfield and Nestor Paiva. The Creature was played by Tom Hennesy on land, and once again, portrayed by Ricou Browning underwater. It marked an early role for Clint Eastwood, in his film debut.

<i>Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell</i> 1974 British film by Terence Fisher

Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell is a 1974 British horror film, directed by Terence Fisher and produced by Hammer Film Productions. It stars Peter Cushing, Shane Briant and David Prowse. Filmed at Elstree Studios in 1972 but not released until 1974, it was the final chapter in the Hammer Frankenstein saga of films as well as director Fisher's last film.

<i>Jack-O</i> 1995 American horror film by Steve Latshaw

Jack-O a 1995 American horror film directed and co-produced by Steve Latshaw and executive produced by Fred Olen Ray. It is the third collaboration between Latshaw as director and Ray as executive producer, following 1993's Dark Universe and 1994's Biohazard: The Alien Force.

<i>Man-Thing</i> (film) 2005 film

Man-Thing is a 2005 monster film based on the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. Directed by Brett Leonard and written by Hans Rodionoff, it stars Matthew Le Nevez, Rachael Taylor, and Jack Thompson, with Conan Stevens portraying the title character. The film follows a Louisiana sheriff as he investigates a series of deaths in a swamp, leading to him encountering the eponymous creature.

<i>Mansquito</i> American TV series or program

Mansquito is a 2005 American made-for-television monster movie directed by Tibor Takács, and stars Corin Nemec, Musetta Vander and Matt Jordon. It shares many similarities with the 1986 adaptation of The Fly, and was conceived by Ray Cannella, Manager of Program Acquisition for the Syfy Channel. He and other two colleagues began producing films for the channel feeling that they could do better than the films they bought from independent producers.

<i>Ice Spiders</i> American TV series or program

Ice Spiders is a 2007 science fiction horror film which premiered on June 9, 2007 on the Syfy Channel. A team of young Winter Olympic hopefuls must slalom to safety when a hoard of giant mutated spiders spin their way out of a top secret laboratory. Ice Spiders stars Patrick Muldoon, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Noah Bastian, K. Danor Gerald and Matt Whittaker and was released on DVD in 2007.

<i>Mosquito</i> (film) 1995 American film

Mosquito is a 1995 American science-fiction horror film directed by Gary Jones. The film features actor Gunnar Hansen, who portrayed the character Leatherface in the 1974 horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, along with Ron Asheton, lead guitarist for the band the Stooges. The film has earned a cult following since its release.

<i>Creature from Black Lake</i> 1976 film by Joy N. Houck, Jr.

Creature from Black Lake is a 1976 American horror film written and directed by Joy N. Houck Jr. and starring Jack Elam, Dub Taylor, Dennis Fimple, John David Carson, and Bill Thurman. It follows two anthropology students from the University of Chicago who attempt to document the Fouke Monster, a Bigfoot-like creature who is said to torment a small Louisiana community.

<i>Lego Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood</i> 2016 American film

Lego Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood is a 2016 animated comedy mystery film. It is the twenty-sixth entry in the direct-to-video series of Scooby-Doo films, and the first based on the Scooby-Doo brand of Lego. The first trailer was released on February 23. The film was released on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally on May 10. This is the first non-TV Scooby-Doo themed production to feature Kate Micucci as the voice of Velma Dinkley, following Mindy Cohn's retirement from the role in 2015, with Micucci having assumed the role in Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! the same year.

<i>The Mean One</i> 2022 film by Steven LaMorte

The Mean One is a 2022 American Christmas horror film directed by Steven LaMorte from a screenplay written by Flip and Finn Kobler. It is a horror retelling of Dr. Seuss' 1957 children's book How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and stars Krystle Martin, Chase Mullins, John Bigham, Erik Baker, Flip Kobler, and Amy Schumacher, with David Howard Thornton as the eponymous character. It follows a young woman as she attempts to defend her childhood town from a green-skinned creature who goes on a murderous rampage during the holiday season.

<i>The Beast of Bray Road</i> (film) 2005 American horror film

The Beast of Bray Road is a 2005 American horror film written and directed by Leigh Scott. A direct-to-video release produced and distributed by The Asylum, it is based on the Beast of Bray Road, a purported wolf-like cryptid that was allegedly first sighted in Elkhorn, Walworth County, Wisconsin, in 1936. It stars Jeff Denton, Thomas Downey, Sarah Lieving, Joel Ezra Hebner, and Tom Nagel.

References

  1. ↑ "New Behind-the-Scenes Images from Hypothermia Bring the Chill". 7 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "Blood-Soaked Snow in First Hi-Res Look at 'Hypothermia'". 15 April 2010.
  3. ↑ "Bloody Hypothermia Images Stain the Snow Red". 31 August 2012.
  4. ↑ "Hypothermia (2010) -". Allmovie.com. Allmovie. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  5. ↑ "Hypothermia (DVD) - Dread Central". Dread Central.com. Foywonder. 3 October 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  6. ↑ Getz, Rob (5 December 2015). "Film Review: Hypothermia (2010)". Horror News.net. Rob Getz. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  7. ↑ Vasquez, Felix (11 March 2013). "Hypothermia (2010)". Cinema Crazed.com. Felix Vasquez. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  8. ↑ Jane, Ian. "Hypothermia : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video". DVD Talk.com. Ian Jane. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  9. ↑ Coffman, Jason. "Hypothermia : FilmMonthly". Film Monthly.com. Jason Coffman. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.