Below Zero

Solid Indie Thriller
You're a writer, but you can't write. You've hit a wall. You have writer's block. So what do you do? Jack, a successful screenwriter has an interesting idea - method writing. It works for actors, so why wouldn't it work with writers?

To give this a try, Jack arranges to have himself locked in a remote meat cooler with just his imagination to inspire. The line between fiction and reality, however, quickly blur in the new thriller, Below Zero.

Edward Furlong plays Jack, the young, hot shot writer riding off the success of his one previous film, which we learn wasn't even very good in the first place. Jack's agent is the one that sets it up to have Jack locked in a meat cooler for five days to finish his script, if he doesn't, the agency will drop him.

Immediately, Jack regrets this decision.

From there the story takes on a multitude of twists and turns as Jack tries to write his script while facing his own demons. The setup is all I will give...

IT'S A BOSH!
Jack (Edward Furlong) has writer's block. His agent suggests he lock himself up in a freezer for 5 days. In northern rural America, he meets Penny (Kristin Booth) who has just the place. Penny is very likeable. She has the "Fargo" accent and laughs at her own jokes with a snort. She is single and says things like, "You can make anything good with ketchup, just not a marriage." She aspires to be an actress or a screenwriter, while she cares for her mute son.

Once Jack is locked up in a room in a meat processing factory. The movie then becomes the account of his writing. But don't let this deter you from watching this film. Michael Berryman, the face of "These Hills Have Eyes" and an underrated actor becomes an unsavory character in the script. The film bounces back and forth from the script to Jack's imprisonment which is becoming more unbearable as the plot twists. Jack incorporates his surroundings and characters he meets into the story.

At some point you have...

Original horror with plenty of twists and turns!
This is a very smart and original horror film that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The fractured narrative works really well, ensuring that your brain is engaged throughout. Fans of intelligent horror will appreciate this film, and there is also plenty of great visual gore and unexpected scares. As a horror writer I found the film inspiring as well as entertaining. Also great to see Edward Furlong shine in this - the role suits him perfectly - very smart casting. Definitely one to watch!

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