In 2007, shortly after her breakthrough in The Devil Wears Prada, Emily Blunt starred in a lesser-known horror film, Wind Chill, which is now available to stream on Netflix. This early Emily Blunt horror movie offers fans a glimpse of her rising talent in a chilling, atmospheric story set on a snowy, isolated road.
A Rare Look at Emily Blunt’s Early Career Through a Horror Lens
Before becoming widely recognized for roles in films like Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed projects and the beloved Mary Poppins series, Emily Blunt explored a variety of genres, including horror. The time between her 2006 breakthrough and the widely praised 2009 period drama The Young Victoria is often considered an overlooked chapter in her career. During this phase, she appeared in multiple films in 2007 alone, including The Jane Austen Book Club, Dan in Real Life, Charlie Wilson’s War, and Wind Chill.
Wind Chill stands out as one of the few supernatural horror films from this transitional period. Directed by Gregory Jacobs, known for producing many of Steven Soderbergh’s films and later directing movies like Magic Mike XXL, the film features Blunt alongside Ashton Holmes as college students stranded on a deserted Pennsylvania road during winter break. The story quickly darkens after their car is forced off the road, leading them into an encounter with unsettling supernatural forces.
The film begins with the two unnamed classmates sharing a ride home, gradually revealing that Holmes’ character, known simply as Guy, knows more about Blunt’s Girl than initially apparent. After a frightening incident involving a suspicious cop who initially appears helpful, Blunt’s character becomes isolated and must confront increasingly eerie and unexplained events alone, creating a tense, unsettling atmosphere.
Why Wind Chill Appeals to Fans of Emily Blunt’s Horror Roles
Wind Chill marks Emily Blunt’s first significant entry into the horror genre, making it particularly interesting for viewers who appreciated her later work in horror-thrillers like A Quiet Place Part II. Much like in those films, Blunt carries much of the movie on her own, demonstrating a compelling ability to portray vulnerability and resilience in isolation.
Though the film did not initially earn high praise—holding a 44% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes—it has earned a cult appreciation over time. Critics who found merit in the movie noted its eerie atmosphere and originality. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter commented that
“for all its flaws, it is an often spooky and imaginative ghost story that contains a genuine creepiness.”
Andy Webster of The New York Times described it as a
“moody, spooky tale, rendered with laudable economy.”
These endorsements highlight the movie’s effective mood and restrained storytelling despite some imperfections.
Viewer ratings on platforms like Letterboxd confirm that Wind Chill continues to earn respect as a solid supernatural thriller, attracting three and four-star reviews from contemporary audiences. For those who follow Blunt’s horror filmography, including her performances in A Quiet Place and the thriller The Girl on the Train, this movie offers another layer of insight into how she approaches suspenseful and isolated roles.
The Lasting Contribution of Wind Chill to Emily Blunt’s Film Journey
Though it may not be Emily Blunt’s most famous film, Wind Chill plays a key role in tracing her growth as an actor capable of anchoring tense and atmospheric stories. Coming between her early successes and later acclaimed performances in Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario and alongside John Krasinski in A Quiet Place, this film demonstrates the early presence of her compelling screen presence.
As an underrated horror film from the mid-2000s, Wind Chill deserves a fresh look, especially as it is now accessible to a wide audience on Netflix. For viewers intrigued by ghost stories, chilling suspense, or simply wishing to revisit a unique piece of Emily Blunt’s evolving career, this film offers an unsettling experience worth exploring.
