Centigrade (2020) is a gripping survival thriller that plunges viewers into the harshest environment imaginable: the frozen wilderness of the Arctic. Directed by Hany Abu-Assad, this survival drama is based on the true story of a couple who find themselves trapped in their car by a massive snowstorm in the frigid cold of Norway. As temperatures drop and hope dwindles, their struggle to survive becomes a race against time and the deadly elements.

🏔️ Plot Summary (No major spoilers)

Matt and his wife, Suzanne, are on a dream road trip through the icy Norwegian landscape when they are suddenly trapped in their car after a heavy snowstorm. As the storm worsens, the couple is forced to take desperate measures to survive. Their only hope of escape lies in an uncertain and perilous journey through the relentless snow. As days pass and the cold becomes unbearable, they are pushed to the edge of human endurance.

🎬 Visuals & Direction

The film is shot in stark, minimalist style, which enhances the sense of isolation and tension. The endless white snow and freezing landscapes create a suffocating atmosphere that mirrors the couple’s internal struggle. The cinematography by Haithem Al-Majzoub is haunting, with cold, expansive shots that make the characters appear small and vulnerable against the vast, indifferent wilderness.

The pacing of the film is slow and deliberate, heightening the tension as each moment of survival becomes harder to endure. The lack of external action amplifies the psychological tension between the couple as they try to maintain hope.

✅ Final Verdict

Centigrade (2020) is a tense, claustrophobic survival thriller that offers a chilling look at the human spirit under extreme stress. With impressive performances and an intimate, emotionally charged atmosphere, it’s a must-watch for fans of survival stories. It’s not for everyone due to its minimalist approach, but for those who appreciate a psychological and physical test of endurance, it delivers a powerful punch.