Cold Prey 2 (Fritt Vilt 2): Movie Review

Director: Mats Stenberg.

Writer: Thomas Moldestad.

First time director Mats Stenberg delivers an excellent film in "Cold Prey 2," that adds a lot more scares early in the film than its predecessor "Cold Prey." The differing directing styles make an appearance early as there is no slow build-up of story or characterizations as in Roar Uthaug's version. Instead, the film makes a few attempts at jump scares, initially while continuing the myth of a psychotic man/child who looks to increase his tally of murders. Not allowing for any pauses in the storytelling "Cold Prey 2" makes for a much more interesting film, that has a stronger identity as the film is constantly working on the viewer's fears. Stenberg utilizes people's fear of the unknown, harsh climates, pure evil, eventual death and possibly even hospitals (nosophobia) to deliver terror in a relatively brief ninety minutes.


The story focuses on the only surviving character from "Cold Prey," Jannike (Ingrid Bolso Berdal) who acts, understandably stronger and more confident in this second film. Appearing traumatized and emotional, understandably after seeing the corpses of her dead friends, Jannike seems to actively pursue the antagonist in the film. Not leaving anything to chance Jannike kills Geir Olav Brath (Robert Follin) for the fourth time near the end of the film. But can true evil ever really be killed?

Other story developments involve Jannike returning from the frozen wasteland into a nearby hospital where the serial killer has also been taken. Unfortunately, four of her friends are no longer alive; yet the killer somehow manages to revive himself once Jannike thumps him on the chest several times. Not leaving anything to chance the doctor, unhesitatingly revives and stabilizes the killer without any moral thought and soon terror unleashes himself in the small confines of one Norwegian hospital. Needless to say the blood flows and surprisingly fast.

Writer Thomas Moldestad has written a very tight, exciting script, that while almost entirely humourless only expands the myth of the "Cold Prey," and will likely spawn future sequels. Well written with only a few minor unbelievable parts the story flows mostly logically with the exception of Brath who, from the story, has seen death four times. Not really representing a psychopathic man the central antagonist is the embodiment of evil in human form; similar to other fear-inducing villains i.e. Michael Myers this killer will keep on killing as long as viewers find entertainment or fear in the story. Not heavy on dialogue, but full of sub-plots including; romantic entanglements between many of the characters and the delivery of a sad back story for the serial killer deliver a fast moving, surprisingly fun film.

Directing techniques, lighting, and musical scores each work off each other to create for a suitable horror or thriller tone. Newcomer Stenberg adds an almost MTV style feel to the film as scenes change quickly and the music blares loudly, in an eerie manner, during most of the film. The lighting, which is mostly in dark during the final two thirds of the film amps up the fear effect as the stalker moves mostly unseen down halls with his reflection subtly shown, briefly in mirrors. The music is lyricless, except during the title credits and moves back and forth between light and dark tones throughout the movie in a frenetic style that creates an uncomfortable feeling. A few surprising death sequences with haunting shadowing of the killer truly hit all the right notes in producing a fearful picture. To fully emphasize the quality of "Cold Prey 2," turn off all the lights and crank the volume to experience a full visceral experience.

Now, available on Video-On-Demand "Cold Prey 2" can be seen in the comfort of your own home...if you dare! Definitely check this film out on a quiet night to enjoy this little film from Norway.

7 Frosty Skulls out of 10.

Sources:

Cold Prey 2 at IMDB

Cold Prey 2 Movie Stills at Fullhalloween

Stumble It!

Posted in: 2008,cold prey 2,director,fritt vilt 2,horror,ingrid bolso berdal,mats stenberg,movie poster,norway,plot,robert follin,slasher,synopsis,thomas moldestad,writer