Dead of Winter, a gripping new mystery thriller starring Harry Potter alum Emma Thompson, has received its Rotten Tomatoes debut score. Directed by Brian Kirk and written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb, Dead of Winter sees Thompson as a grief-stricken loner lost in Minnesota, who suddenly finds herself the unlikely hero of a kidnapped young woman (Laurel Marsden).
The award-winning Dame Emma Thompson is most notably known for her roles in Harry Potter (in which she played Professor Sybill Trelawney), Nanny McPhee, and Love Actually, among many others. Dead of Winter had its world premiere on August 8, 2025, at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, and is scheduled for wider theatrical release on September 26, 2025.
Now, Dead of Winter has debuted with a solid 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a positive critical reception from critics ahead of the film’s wider release. Dead of Winter’s initial rating reflects generally favorable reviews praising the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and Emma Thompson’s strong performance, with many likening the film to Fargo, although some criticized the film’s plot.
What The RT Rating Means For Dead Of Winter
The film’s 70% Rotten Tomatoes score positions Dead Of Winter as a promising new entry in the crowded mystery thriller landscape. While not reaching the heights of critical acclaim reserved for genre-defining films, Dead of Winter offers a solid score, which signals the movie delivers enough to satisfy a wide audience, especially with someone like Emma Thompson at the helm.
For Emma Thompson, Dead of Winter’s generally positive reception from critics only reinforces her reputation as an actress capable of elevating any material, even in genre pieces. This kind of positive reception will also be crucial for Dead of Winter’s momentum among the many other mystery thrillers, especially as it moves beyond its initial release into wider theatrical runs.
Our Take On Dead Of Winter’s RT Score
A 70% Rotten Tomatoes score seems like a balanced and fair reflection of Dead of Winter. The film’s greatest strengths clearly lie in its chilling atmosphere and the magnetic presence of Emma Thompson (and Judy Greer), whose nuanced portrayal adds layers to a story that could have otherwise felt routine. That being said, the movie isn’t without its flaws.
Some critics have pointed out that Dead of Winter’s predictable plot and occasional pacing issues prevent it from becoming a standout classic. However, these shortcomings don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. In short, Dead of Winter is a solid thriller that will hopefully hit the right notes for fans of the genre when it releases theatrically on September 26.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
- Release Date
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September 26, 2025
- Runtime
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97 minutes
- Director
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Brian Kirk
- Writers
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Dalton Leeb, Nicholas Jacobson-Larson
- Producers
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Greg Silverman, Jon Berg, Maximilian Leo, Jonas Katzenstein