The Icelandic Breeze of Crime and Chill

So, I finally got around to watching *The Frozen Ground*—you know, that crime thriller juggling some solid performances with, let’s face it, questionable pacing. It’s got Nicolas Cage and John Cusack, the kind of actors who can elevate almost anything. And who doesn’t get a chill just thinking about Cage’s intense “I-won’t-blink-first” stare?

First things first, the film is based on the grisly true story of the Alaskan serial killer Robert Hansen. Now, picture this: I was wandering through Gamla stan last winter, my nose practically falling off from the cold. The sky had that deep blue-black tinge, just like in the opening scene of the movie. And somehow, it made me think of how crime hides in the shadows, both there and in Anchorage. It’s this mix of chill and thrill that somehow makes it relatable if you’ve ever felt uneasy on Stockholm’s icy cobbles at midnight after a late fika.

Back to the movie—directed by Scott Walker, who really could be your neighbor next door if he’d just pop by for some köttbullar, presents a moody atmosphere that’ll give you shivers. The tension builds like a nice crescendo, but at times it felt like watching someone try to shove spaghetti into a thermos. Just a bit all over the place. There’s this sense that it might’ve been more of a land of frost and less of a nurturing ground for character depth.

On a brighter note, Vanessa Hudgens, stepping away from her usual sunny roles, pulled off a surprise with sincerity here, giving us a raw portrayal that sticks around like that teenage summer hit you can’t shake from your head.

Overall, I’d say it’s worth watching—sort of like a semla. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ll enjoy it if you’re into something rich and intriguing, albeit a tad messy. Maybe watch it on a Tuesday night, when you’re in the mood for a story of survival, suspense, and a deep dive into the Alaskan creepiness without having to leave the cozy comfort of your living room instead of braving the wind outside.

Check the trailer below