Aka: Fritt Vilt
DVD review (region 1)
Directed by Roar Uthuag
Starring Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Rolf Kristian Larsen, Tomas Alf Larsen, Endre Martin Midtstigen
Release date 20 January 2009

Five youngsters head out to the Jotunheimen mountains for some snowboarding action. When one of them breaks his leg, they hole up at an isolated ski lodge. Unfortunately for them a masked maniac stalks its corridors…

From Pathfinder to Insomnia, Norwegian cinema has frequently exploited the country’s snowcapped environment to atmospheric effect. Cold Prey (or ‘Fritt Vilt’ to give the film its original title) follows very much in this tradition, and the eerie isolation of the Jotunheimen mountains makes the perfect setting for a classic slasher flick.

There’s nothing especially original about Roar Uthuag’s movie: the characters (a couple debating whether to live together; another couple in the early stages of their relationship; a joker who cribs Woody Allen’s line about masturbation being “sex with somebody I love”) are standard teen tropes, and there are few clever lines or genre-smashing moments. But Uthuag delivers in the thing that matters: scares. This tight, smartly executed old-school slasher is one of the most terrifying examples of the genre in a long time.

Like any good horror, it’s impossible not to ponder ‘what would I do in the same position?’ as the maniac in a ski mask chases characters from one tight spot to another. A nailbiting treat right up to the simple, effective ending.Matt McAllister

VERDICT: 8/10
A massive hit in its native Norway, slasher fans everywhere should love this classic nerve-shredder. A sequel has already been completed; may there be a further 10 instalments!

Click here to read the region 2 review.