In Cold Light is a 2025 crime drama that drops viewers into the rugged heart of Alberta, a region that feels more like Texas Panhandle than Canada’s maple-syrup stereotype. The film follows Ava Monroe, a young woman who returns to the isolated town of Ponoka after a stint in jail and finds herself caught in a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Critics, however, have given it a lukewarm 2 out of 5, sparking debate about its execution.
At a Glance
- In Cold Light – 2025, R-rated, 96 min
- Setting: Ponoka, Alberta – population 7,000
- Lead cast: Maika Monroe, Troy Kotsur, Jesse Irving, Helen Hunt, Allan Hawco
- Director: Maxime Giroux, first English-only feature
- Reception: 2 out of 5 rating
Setting the Scene
Ponoka feels like a slice of the Texas Panhandle, with cattle, oil rigs, and cowboy hats more common than maple syrup. The town’s population is 7,000, and it hosts the Ponoka Stampede, drawing tourists in RVs to the stadium. It’s a place where crime, drugs, and petty violence coexist with rodeos and a rough-neck culture.
The film’s setting is integral, mirroring the bleak atmosphere that the director aims to portray. The rural landscape serves as a backdrop for Ava’s struggle to reintegrate after prison.
The Film
Directed by Canadian filmmaker Maxime Giroux, best known for the multilingual romance Felix and Meira, In Cold Light marks his English-only debut. The film incorporates American Sign Language interludes from Ava’s father Will, played by Oscar-winning Troy Kotsur.
The cast includes Maika Monroe as Ava, Jesse Irving as Tom, Helen Hunt as Claire, and Allan Hawco as the corrupt cop. The cinematography by Sara Mishara and the score by Philippe Brault aim to create a dark, understated tone.
- Maika Monroe – Ava, a drug-dealing daughter trying to survive
- Troy Kotsur – Will, Ava’s father, delivers ASL interludes
- Jesse Irving – Tom, Ava’s twin brother leaving the drug business
- Helen Hunt – Claire, the enigmatic figure tied to Ava’s past
- Allan Hawco – corrupt cop, orchestrates the hit
Plot Overview
Ava returns home after serving time for drug dealing and lands a job shoveling manure at the Stampede. Her twin brother Tom is transitioning to an oil job but is hit, leaving him with two head wounds.
The murder leaves Ava as the sole witness, setting off a tense chase between her and the killers. The narrative explores themes of failed parents, family curses, and the isolation of those left behind.
- Ava’s return to Ponoka and job at the Stampede
- Tom’s shift from drugs to oil and subsequent hit
- Ava’s status as the only witness
- Cat-and-mouse pursuit by the killers
- Ava’s search for Claire, who may hold the key to her woes
Critique
Critics note that the film’s tone is emotionally distant, with hazy camera work and a rumbling score that keeps the narrative from fully engaging.
While the plot tackles broken family dynamics, the script delivers explanations rather than exploration, leaving the emotional stakes thin.
- Strengths: solid performances by Monroe and Kotsur, realistic setting, unique use of ASL
- Weaknesses: monotony, lack of depth in character arcs, underutilization of Helen Hunt’s role, overall tonal dissonance
Conclusion
In Cold Light demonstrates Maxime Giroux’s ambition to bring a raw, rural crime story to English-speaking audiences, but its execution falls short of its potential. The film’s bleak atmosphere, combined with a thin plot and underdeveloped characters, results in a lukewarm reception reflected in the 2 out of 5 rating. Fans of gritty, character-driven dramas may find it disappointing, while those interested in Alberta’s off-beat culture might still appreciate the setting.
