Emma Thompson Stars as Action Heroine in Minnesota Kidnapping Thriller

Emma Thompson stars in the upcoming action thriller The Dead of Winter as a widowed fisherwoman who intervenes in the kidnapping of a teenage girl in the remote, snowbound wilderness of northern Minnesota. Speaking at the Locarno Film Festival, Thompson described her character as a "real female heroine," emphasizing the ordinary and humble life she leads, shaped by nature and resilience rather than traditional action-hero skills. The film pays tribute to the strength of everyday women, with Thompson noting that the story focuses on love and letting go to help others find themselves. Despite the physical challenges of filming in harsh conditions at age 66—including pulling multiple muscles and holding her breath underwater—Thompson prepared extensively to embody the role authentically. The movie also features Judy Greer, Laurel Marsden, and Thompson's daughter Gaia Wise, who portrays her character's younger self. The Dead of Winter is set for U.S. release on September 26, 2025.