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First Winter
2025 5 min United States of America, Philippines R 16+
★6.2
Animation, Drama
Director: Schantelle Alonzo
Trailers
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Description
Ángel is a newly arrived immigrant who is experiencing his first winter in Chicago. The film follows his realisation of what it may mean to be away from home for a very long time.
Starring
Aife
Actor
Jonna-Lynn Alonso
Actor
Key opinion
First Winter is a modest, character-driven thriller that relies heavily on Emma Thompson's nuanced performance to elevate a otherwise formulaic plot. While its icy setting and visual atmosphere earn praise, the film struggles with uneven character development for the antagonists and a screenplay that occasionally relies on tropes.
| Acting | Emma Thompson provides a grounded and vulnerable performance that serves as the film’s strongest asset. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography effectively utilizes the Finnish winter landscape to create a sense of cold isolation. | |
| Screenplay | The script leans on established genre conventions, resulting in a narrative that many find formulaic and predictable. | |
| Screenplay | The use of flashbacks successfully adds emotional depth to the protagonist, though the antagonists suffer from a lack of clear motivation and backstory. | |
| Runtime | The brief 90-minute runtime is appreciated by those who value efficiency, but some viewers find the plot's lack of grip makes the film feel less impactful. |