Wind Chill Chillin'

 

From my Scarecrow 88 Letterboxd review:

I totally see how this film has received some "Oh, hell naw, don't get in that car with him, giiiirrrrrlllll" reactions. Especially *after* she learns of why Ashton knows of the kind of food she likes (and left behind at the university), where she lives (eyeing her phone in class, a big stalker-yuck thing to do), and that they share a class together. But going the "short cut scenic route", even as Blunt tells him to get back on the highway, is a certain THIS IS GOING TO END BADLY sign. And when he balks about how difficult it is to date women, as Blunt scoffs and takes him to task for such belly-aching, I can just feel a section of audience really excoriating the scene. And I can certainly rationalize complete rejection of any warm feelings towards Ashton. The film tries. I guess because Ashton's face isn't threatening, those behind the character thought that might work. I never felt it did. And because of that, I realize Blunt's character and performance takes a hit.

These are some details we have: Blunt recently suffered a breakup, her parents are divorced, and getting back to Delaware hits a snag because instead of taking a bus (many believe this would have been the better option, obviously), she "ride shares" with a guy after pulling a phone number from an offer on a college billboard. Ashton's car looks as if it will soon be read last rites, he has a lot of junk in his car because he was kicked out of his apartment, and this coldness sort of permeates at the onset. Everything about their first meeting screams, "Don't get in the fucking car!!!"

There is that portion of the film where Blunt really puts up her defenses and mistrusts him totally. It isn't like Ashton doesn't give her reason to be that way. But when the creepy ghosts of this stretch of "cursed road" start emerging, Ashton and Blunt have to count on each other. Now the wreck caused by a "ghost cop car" due to "eternal recurrence", leaving Ashton with a bad head wound (along with coughing and peeing blood) alters everything. He's dying and Blunt needs to get help. This is where I think the audience might be divided determining on whether or not you consider Ashton deserved of any sympathy or good will. They wouldn't be in this jam if he didn't make the mistakes he made. Blunt just got in the car with him. Everything else that happens, including nasty ghost trooper Donovan showing up to rape Blunt (a memory she "senses" takes her back to when he raped and killed a motorist he left in the nearby woods) and walking spirits of those who have died in the area, is because Ashton just had to take that turn off the highway.

Why do I dig this? I LOVE the look and feel of the film. I think the score for the film really enhances that look and feel, too. The snowy, icy, cold menacing weather, the scary situation befalling the duo, that frightening isolation, and the claustrophobic confines of the car all work to me. The plot has its weaknesses and I can reason with why Ashton is rejected and Blunt's initial bitchiness might have been frustrating (not to mention, her eventual affection and care for him since he might be considered a stalker or predator to women who have had bad experiences). The ghosts, too, might be a big nope if you really think the film is at its best as a cautionary tale on getting off the highway during forecasted inclement weather. I didn't mind the additional supernatural angle myself. I thought it added this history to the main location and how evil might imprint itself to a geographic location. I think it doesn't work when the ghosts touch you and you freeze. That just seemed silly.

I love Blunt's development myself. She faces what seems like a looping nightmare without end. This repeated encircling loop Blunt must somehow escape. It is the kind of experience that changes you. If you survive it, everything after takes on new meaning. I think Blunt goes through this experience and with all she's been through now has quite a story to tell...though most won't ever believe her. Just my own feelings on the matter.

Interesting conclusion has Ashton's ghost leading Blunt to the gas station. Bellamy's truck driver actually picks her up and tells her about Donovan and how he was responsible for a lot of violence on the road, and the priests froze to death (as did a couple whose car stopped) in their cabin. Again, I can see why this film is divisive. Some will find that the storytelling just doesn't work. Now is this really a Christmas horror film? Eh, probably not for most people. Because it is set right before Christmas and the presence of winter is so distinct, I could see this as a must-watch for some every year. I think it will be for me because I love Blunt.