Scream Queen Maika Monroe (The Guest, It Follows, Longlegs) goes against type for Maxime Giroux’s feature debut In Cold Light. The performance is one of Monroe’s best, complimenting Giroux’s gripping vigilante crime-thriller that has suspense to spare.

In Cold Light is a thrilling pursuit picture, featuring an ex-con, Ava (Monroe), on the run for almost the entirety of the film’s runtime; between an early climactic kill which makes Ava a witness and a target to the story’s natural wind down. At the centre of this pursuit, however, are people in pain; trying to distract themselves with their shared tragedies. Ava’s rugged father Will (Coda Oscar winner Troy Kotsur) still mourns the loss of his wife and it breaks his heart and spirit knowing that misfortune has led to the death of another family member. This emotional weight is taken out on Ava, who Will is often disappointed in due to her vices.

Kotsur and Monroe are great standalone actors who are terrific screen partners. Kotsur’s deafness also details his character, adding additional disconnect between Will and Ava. Their heated signing is the movie’s strong suit; a big compliment to the talent considering that In Cold Light seems as through its action sequences should be the highlights. Come for the chase, stay for the top-rate acting.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie