RATING★ TBA
WORTH IT? NO
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Cold Water.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Cold Water Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict ()

This is the story of Alice Fuller (Amy Shelton-White) struggling to come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future. Shot almost entirely in and around Estes Park, Colorado, the film follows Alice as she is forced to spend one final week at the family cabin with her hedonistic mother (Elizabeth White) and underachieving brother (Lee Shelton). Plagued with repressed memories, anger and guilt, Alice finds it impossible to connect with those around her, including her boyfriend, Jake (David Zelina) who is looking to start a family of their own. Only after summoning the courage to look within herself, accept her own role in the family dynamic and face the past head on, can Alice hope for a loving and functional future.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Cold Water offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in N/A, Cold Water represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This is the story of Alice Fuller (Amy Shelton-White) struggling to come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This is the story of Alice Fuller (Amy Shelton-White) struggling to come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future. Shot almost entirely in and around Estes Park, Colorado, the film follows Alice as she is forced to spend one final week at the family cabin with her hedonistic mother (Elizabeth White) and underachieving brother (Lee Shelton). Plagued with repressed memories, anger and guilt, Alice finds it impossible to connect with those around her, including her boyfriend, Jake (David Zelina) who is looking to start a family of their own. Only after summoning the courage to look within herself, accept her own role in the family dynamic and face the past head on, can Alice hope for a loving and functional future."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Amy Shelton-White provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by David Zelina is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Cold Water truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Cold Water explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The N/A audience is increasingly sophisticated, and David Zelina respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Cold Water is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Amy Shelton-White or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Cold Water is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

95MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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