Emma Thompson Hails 'Dead of Winter' as Story of Ordinary Heroine's Resilience

The Locarno Film Festival is set to feature a diverse lineup, including a feminist take on the "Kamasutra" and a mystery set in a chocolate factory. However, one of the most anticipated films is the thriller "Dead of Winter," starring Emma Thompson.

During a conversation at the festival, Thompson called her character in the film a "real life heroine." She explained that the story focuses on an ordinary, humble woman whose life is "so beautiful and so rich." The film, written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb, both from Minnesota, pays homage to the "amazing women" who raised them.

Leeb mentioned that his own grandmother, who "would always face adversity face on with humor," served as inspiration for the character. Thompson agreed, stating that the film features a type of heroine that is not often seen on screen. She recalled her early days in the industry, when she struggled to find female heroes to identify with, often relating more to male characters like Marlon Brando.

To prepare for the film's harsh winter setting, Thompson spent an entire month in Finland, where the movie was partially shot. She praised the Finnish crew, encouraging her industry colleagues to consider filming in the country for its "dramatic landscape" and "brave-hearted, highly sensitive and indomitable crew people."

Despite the challenges of filming in the extreme cold, Thompson and her co-star Judy Greer underwent training to learn how to hold their breath underwater. The director, Brian Kirk, even observed that the best way to warm up was to lie down naked in the snow.

Ultimately, "Dead of Winter" is a story of survival and rebirth, with Thompson's character helping a young girl find the "capacity and the desire to live." The film serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and the resilience of the human spirit.