Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: IN COLD LIGHT [Tribeca Film Festival 2025 - New York, NY]
The aspect of stakes always has to do with the essence of follow through and the idea of what would be true to character. "In Cold Light" [World Premiere/Spotlight Narrative] understands its character Ava in what she needs to be and what she has become. Maika Monroe, who plays Ava, as an actor who has risen up through the film festival ranks over the years does try hard to find good characters to play. Sometimes the movies don't rise up but that is another story. This film does because it is lean, doesn't apologize for its characters but also resonates in realness without pandering to what a plot twist is and should be. In many way, it plays like another version of "Animal Kingdom" though some people are kept in the dark. Troy Kotsur who was so good in " CODA" is able to apply his same focus and depth here. It is always tricky at times with hard of hearing because that in justification has to become a device of the movie. But again this device works really well to its advantage here giving such subtext that would not have been possible (especially in one diner scene).
Most of all the main characters (and actors) truly understand what they are doing, what they can be and what they can't be. The film begins with Ava being caught on a deal which turns out to be part of a bigger story. Before Kotsur truly comes into play, what really sells this is the performance of Jesse Irving as her brother Tom. Not giving anything away but he is completely caught up in this in many more ways than one but one feels like he is generally really trying to help his twin sister. But then the movie takes a big turn but rightfully after setting up everything it needs to. The script is tight and with the exception of one or two small aspects of belief, it doesn't lose traction. A certain deal is not quite clear but it ultimately makes sense and the ending coda really makes it worth it. Helen Hunt comes in at one point with a memorable character but this is Monroe's show and she sells it wholeheartedly without losing toughness, empathy or focus despite different accusations or thoughts that are thrown at her. "In Cold Light" knows what it is and with a good script, impeccable direction and a cast that understands its pitch, likely due to Maxime Giroux, the film is a definite standout. A-
By Tim Wassberg
