VOD of the Dead (HORRORHOUND EDITION) - COLD BLOWS THE WIND (2023)

Film festivals at horror conventions are kind of like crystal balls for the future of the genre. While larger genre festivals like BEYOND FEST or FANTASTIC FEST are a hodgepodge of larger releases and special screenings of older films, film festivals at conventions showcase some of the lesser-known and lower-budget genre offerings that often are still seeking broader distribution deals. Here at Macabre Daily, we like to champion the genre films that fly under the radar whenever we can. From the heartfelt FREDHEADS documentary to the absolutely bonkers short film ESCALATION, the HORRORHOUND FILM FESTIVAL is one of the best sources for up-and-coming genre fare highlighting the amazing talent that is both bootstrapped and bloody. This year’s HORRORHOUND FILM FESTIVAL was no different, and we are honored to be able to review COLD BLOWS THE WIND which absolutely cleaned up this year's awards!

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

When a married couple hits a jogger while driving, they think their night can't get any worse. But after heading to a remote location to bury the body, they realize their nightmare has just begun.

HOW IS IT?

I’ve often lamented on this site that EVIL DEAD has inspired more filmmakers than any other single horror film in recent decades. It’s easy to understand the appeal that Raimi’s seminal film has on aspiring filmmakers considering he also scrapped together minimal funds to produce something that succeeded far beyond even his and the crew’s expectations and made career filmmakers out of many of those involved. This year’s HORRORHOUND FILM FESTIVAL darling, COLD BLOWS THE WIND, shares as much in common with the EVIL DEAD as it does the more recent cult classic, IT FOLLOWS. Combining elements of both into something novel, COLD BLOWS THE WIND is as fun as it is mysterious in how it merges two seemingly opposed types of horror films into one unique and surprising vision. 

When I say COLD BLOWS THE WIND is mysterious, what I really mean is from the jump you are dropped off in the middle of a very tense situation. A young couple accidentally hits a jogger and stashes them in their trunk, unsure of what to do next, they rightly freak out trying to decide if they should own up to their mistake or try to cover it up. As dire as this situation is, it’s only a small fraction of the absurdity that is about to occur throughout the night, and it’s difficult to talk about specifics without spoiling some of the interesting surprises that lay ahead. What can be shared is that in spite of their desires to conceal or own up to their foul deed, someone else may be aware of what they have done and has an agenda of their own they impose on the couple. It wasn’t until about 2/3s of the way through COLD BLOWS THE WIND that I started to fully understand what was going on, and it’s one of the reasons why horror is still one of the most innovative genres in the cinematic landscape. Not knowing what is going to happen next, defying expectations, and keeping viewers in the dark just long enough to maintain interest and suspense are why we show up and show out to these films. It’s also why Hollywood, for the most part, still doesn’t “get” horror.

What helps keep COLD BLOWS THE WIND intriguing is the slow dosing of information throughout the first two acts and the sheer lack of exposition, not to mention the fantastic performances from the two leads Tasha (VICTORIA VERTUGA) and Dean (DANELL LEYVA). They are a believable couple who face this situation with far more pragmatism than most genre films offer, and the supporting cast also does a great job of delivering performances that amplify the more unhinged elements of the film's premise. While explanations in horror can be as much a blessing as a burden, this is one of the rare instances where I found myself wanting to know more about the mysterious situation that plagues Tasha and Dean, as well as the other folks they cross paths along the way. This isn’t to say the film shirks explanation entirely, rather, it left me wanting to know more without ever feeling like things were underdeveloped. This is a good problem to have, and at a breezy 82-minutes it never once feels like it drags on or overstays its welcome.

LAST RITES

COLD BLOWS THE WIND is a fun and captivating blend of different genre films that elicits something interesting that will keep you guessing in the best way possible. It’s a reminder that old ideas can become new with the right kind of direction and storytelling even when inspirations are proudly visible throughout. 

THE GORY DETAILS

Directed By

ERIC WILLIFORD

Written By

ERIC WILLIFORD

Starring

JAMIE BERNADETTE

TORREY B. LAWRENCE

VICTORIA VERTUGA

DANELL LEYVA

Where can you watch it?
COLD BLOWS THE WIND will tentatively release later in 2023 or early in 2024. Stay tuned for updates on future release dates here!

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