French-Canadian director Maxime giroux delivers a film that feels more like a collection of stylistic choices than a cohesive narrative in “In Chilly Mild.” This frenetic thriller is packed with familiar tropes and visuals, resembling a mood board rather than an engaging story. With it’s neon aesthetics, abandoned settings, and gritty urban landscapes, the film features an on-the-run protagonist played by Maika Monroe,who finds herself ensnared in the perilous world of drug lords. However, this captivating setup can only hold attention for so long.
Monroe shines as ava, bringing her trademark intensity from previous roles in films like “It Follows” and “Watcher.” Her performance is marked by emotional depth and resilience as she navigates the harrowing circumstances of “In Chilly Mild.” Despite her strong portrayal—showcasing both physical exhaustion and psychological strain—the script (crafted by Patrick Whistler) fails too provide her character with sufficient development or complexity.Instead, it recycles elements reminiscent of films such as “Sicario” and “Drive,” leaving Monroe’s talents underutilized.
Ava’s Journey: A Struggle for Freedom
The film opens with an intense sequence depicting Ava’s desperate escape during a botched drug deal. After being captured, she spends two years behind bars before being released on parole—a moment that sets the stage for her quest for independence. In one poignant scene, Ava’s parole officer questions weather she can truly desire freedom while also seeking solitude; however, to Ava, these aspirations are intertwined.
yet reality quickly proves or else when Ava returns to live with her estranged father Will (“CODA” Oscar winner Troy Kotsur) at his stables. Their relationship is strained due to their shared pasts—especially after Ava’s incarceration—and becomes even more complicated when she attempts to re-enter the drug trade. Tragedy strikes when she witnesses the murder of her twin brother Tom (Jesse Irving) during another deal gone wrong; subsequently framed for his death by corrupt law enforcement officials. As Will remains oblivious to Tom’s involvement in illegal activities, he struggles with his own regrets about life choices made along the way.
The Weight of Choices: Humanity Amidst Chaos
Ava’s journey while evading capture lacks important developments or character growth throughout much of “In Chilly Mild.” One notable exception occurs when she unexpectedly becomes responsible for Tom’s orphaned child; this subplot introduces moments that resonate on a human level amidst all the chaos surrounding them. A particularly touching scene unfolds in a grocery store where Ava changes the baby’s diaper—this glimpse into maternal instinct adds depth that could have enriched the overall narrative if explored further.
However, much of this neo-noir thriller leans heavily into fast-paced action sequences designed to elicit excitement but ultimately fall flat due to low stakes and lackluster character investment. The film seems intent on delivering adrenaline-fueled thrills but fails because viewers are not given enough reasons to care about any characters involved—even as generic visual cues attempt to convince us we’re witnessing something thrilling unfold onscreen.
An Unsatisfying Conclusion: Missed Opportunities
The climax arrives when Ava confronts claire—the mastermind behind it all—played by Helen Hunt in what feels like an ill-fitting role lacking substance (another Oscar-winning talent wasted). Their conversation regarding business dealings lacks clarity or significance within context; instead it serves merely as filler without contributing anything meaningful toward resolving plot threads established earlier on.
The resolution leaves audiences feeling unfulfilled—a stark reminder that “In Chilly Mild” prioritizes atmosphere over coherent storytelling.
After 90 minutes filled with missed potential opportunities combined alongside disjointed vibes throughout its runtime—it becomes clear this was less about crafting compelling narratives than creating fleeting impressions.