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Drama thriller

Centigrade (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Centigrade (2020) movie poster

Centigrade is a 2020 drama thriller directed by Brendan Walsh, starring Vincent Piazza as Matt, Génesis Rodríguez and Mavis Simpson-Ernst. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $31,808 worldwide. Critics gave it 40% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10.

IMDb rating
4.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
40%
worldwide gross
$31.8K
Echo Score
50
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Centigrade (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Brendan Walsh
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Centigrade About?

The premise of Centigrade without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During an Arctic adventure, a young American couple finds themselves in a terrifying ordeal when a snowstorm buries their SUV. With freezing temperatures, dwindling supplies, and Naomi eight months pregnant, the pair must fight to survive. Facing extreme conditions, including hypothermia and hallucinations, they confront their personal struggles while desperately trying to escape the icy trap and the looming threat of death.

Centigrade Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • argument
  • engine trouble
  • no reception
  • going into labor
  • candle
  • snow
  • losing a job
  • giving birth
  • cold the temperature
  • pregnancy
  • husband wife relationship
  • survival
+38 more
  • norway
  • inspired by a true story
  • suv
  • snowstorm
  • secret
  • hypothermia
  • hallucination
  • blizzard
  • female novelist
  • year 2002
  • begins with text
  • sleep
  • ice
  • worrying
  • freezing rain
  • cell phone
  • apology
  • cell phone battery
  • chicken as food
  • cheese
  • heering sandwich
  • food
  • car rental
  • roadside kit
  • no opening credits
  • prologue
  • urination
  • towel
  • urinating on a towel
  • bottled water
  • chocolate
  • sister sister relationship
  • mother son relationship
  • freezing
  • blanket
  • trust
  • woman wears a stocking cap
  • corkscrew
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Cast & crew

Centigrade Cast & Characters

Vincent Piazza leads the cast as Matt, with Génesis Rodríguez and Mavis Simpson-Ernst. Directed by Brendan Walsh.

From the director

More from Brendan Walsh

More films directed by Brendan Walsh, best-rated first: I'll Be Right There and Andrew Schulz: 4:4:1.

Full filmography
Ratings

Centigrade Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Centigrade 40% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

50 /100

Centigrade Echo Score Breakdown

Centigrade elicits mixed reactions with its polished technical execution contrasted by uneven narrative momentum. The film delivers intense sequences of escalating tension that some find unrelenting and raw, yet others perceive the pacing as overly repetitive and tedious. Performances are frequently noted for their commitment and emotional rawness, but the bickering dynamic between the leads can feel stunted. While the production design effectively conveys the claustrophobic isolation, the limited variation in conflict reduces lasting engagement on balance.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, Centigrade displays competent technical work through crisp cinematography and clear editing transitions. The production design convincingly evokes the snowbound isolation of the setting, while the direction maintains visual continuity in tight spaces. However, the visual style occasionally feels utilitarian rather than inspired, limiting the film’s aesthetic impact. Overall, the craftsmanship is solid but rarely ventures into striking territory.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character and emotion, Centigrade benefits from earnest performances that convey raw vulnerability and occasional genuine connection. The leads commit fully to their dire circumstances, lending emotional weight to pivotal moments. Yet their dynamic often devolves into repetitive bickering that undermines character depth and emotional resonance. In the end, the portrayals feel committed but the interpersonal tension lacks the variety needed for sustained engagement.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, the film establishes palpable tension with its claustrophobic premise, punctuating the narrative with moments of genuine dread. However, the pacing frequently stalls in extended stretches of argument and indecision, leading to repetitive beats that diminish engagement. The plot’s reliance on a confined setting offers limited originality, and key developments unfold predictably. Overall, the narrative balance veers unevenly between suspense and monotony.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    When considering the sensory experience, Centigrade’s sound design and score effectively heighten the tension in critical moments, using subtle aural cues to underscore isolation. The visual style maintains a consistent palette that reinforces the freezing environment, though it seldom surprises. At times, persistent sound elements—such as continuous baby crying—contribute to fatigue rather than immersion. Overall, the sensory elements are serviceable but offer limited dynamic variation.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    Regarding rewatch factor, Centigrade offers limited appeal for subsequent viewings due to its narrow focus and monotonous conflict progression. The strengths in technical craft may attract viewers interested in tense atmospheres, but the repetitive argument structure and predictable resolution undermine lasting interest. As a result, the film lacks the layered depth or narrative surprises that typically encourage repeat engagement.

Plot

Centigrade Plot Summary

What happens in Centigrade from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2002, a young American couple, Naomi and Matthew, embark on a journey to the arctic mountains of Norway. Amidst a heavy snowstorm, they find themselves forced to pull over, only to wake up later trapped in their SUV, completely buried beneath thick layers of snow and ice. At this critical moment, it is revealed that Naomi is already eight months pregnant, adding an extra layer of urgency and desperation to their perilous situation.

Full summary

The whole story of Centigrade, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Centigrade Box Office

Centigrade grossed $31,808 worldwide. $16,263 came from the US and Canada and $15,545 (49%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$31.8K

US & Canada
$16.3K
International
$15.5K
US & Canada 51% Rest of the world 49%
Videos

Centigrade Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Centigrade.

Centigrade - Official Trailer | HD | IFC Midnight
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Centigrade?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year are the events of the story set?

Cars

Cars in Centigrade

2 cars on screen: the 1999 Land-Rover Discovery Series II and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Arocs.

  • 1999 Land-Rover Discovery Series II in Centigrade 1999 Land-Rover Discovery Series II Featured role
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz Arocs in Centigrade 2018 Mercedes-Benz Arocs Minor role
Details

Centigrade Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “Zakopani” and “Centigrade - Fagypont alatt”.

Also known as
  • Zakopani
  • Centigrade - Fagypont alatt
  • Ледяной капкан
  • Υπό το Μηδέν
  • מעלת צלזיוס
  • 摄氏度
  • Температура замерзання
  • 센티그레이드
  • 30 Grad unter Null - Gefangen im Schnee
  • Pânico Abaixo de Zero
  • Живот под нулата
  • 極寒求生

Seen Centigrade?

FAQ

Centigrade FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Centigrade, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Centigrade?

Centigrade runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Centigrade released?

Centigrade was released on August 28, 2020.

Who directed Centigrade?

Centigrade was directed by Brendan Walsh.

More films by Brendan Walsh

Who is in the cast of Centigrade?

Centigrade stars Vincent Piazza as Matt, Génesis Rodríguez and Mavis Simpson-Ernst.

How much did Centigrade make at the box office?

Centigrade grossed $31,808 worldwide ($16,263 domestic, $15,545 international).

How is Centigrade rated?

Centigrade has 4.4/10 on IMDb, 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, 46 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Centigrade have a post-credit scene?

No. Centigrade has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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