Cold Storage Review: Joe Keery & Liam Neeson in Sci-Fi Horror Comedy

A newly released sci-fi horror comedy, Cold Storage, directed by Jonny Campbell and based on a 2019 novel by David Koepp, offers a diverting, if not entirely groundbreaking, take on the pandemic-era movie landscape. The film, which sat on a shelf for two years before release on February 13th, centers on a mutating fungal virus of extraterrestrial origin and the efforts to contain it.

A Familiar, Yet Engaging, Premise

The story begins with a reference to the 1979 Skylab incident, where a space station lost scientific experiments during its fall to Earth. Decades later, an overlooked oxygen tank in Western Australia harbors a dangerous, iridescent green mold. The initial outbreak proves deadly, with victims found with their heads and torsos cracked open.

Did You Know? The film references a real event: the 1979 fall of the Skylab space station, which scattered debris across the Australian outback.

A Race Against Time

Microbiologist Dr. Hero Martins, played by Sosie Bacon, and veteran NASA bioterrorism expert Robert Quinn, portrayed by Liam Neeson, are dispatched to investigate. The sample is transported to a decommissioned Defense Security facility in Kansas, now a self-storage company, where the virus unexpectedly reactivates.

The film follows Travis, also known as Teacake, played by Joe Keery, a nightshift employee at the storage facility, and Naomi, played by Georgina Campbell, as they uncover the threat. Their investigation reveals the virus’s ability to adapt and infect various species, including a deer, bikers, a cat, and even an ex-boyfriend whose projectile vomiting is described as reminiscent of Linda Blair’s performance in The Exorcist.

A Cast of Notable Actors

The cast includes a range of established and rising stars, including Georgina Campbell, Lesley Manville, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Brake, Aaron Heffernan, and Ellora Torchia. The motivations behind the participation of acting royalty Vanessa Redgrave and Lesley Manville in minimally important roles remain unclear.

Expert Insight: The film’s premise, involving a rapidly mutating pathogen and the challenges of containment, reflects ongoing anxieties about emerging infectious diseases and the potential for global outbreaks. The delayed release of the film may also speak to the sensitivity surrounding pandemic-related themes in recent years.

What Could Happen Next

If the film gains traction with audiences, a sequel could explore the origins of the virus in more detail. It is also possible that the film’s success could lead to renewed interest in David Koepp’s novel. Streaming platforms could become a key avenue for the film’s distribution and wider reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central threat in Cold Storage?

The central threat is a mutating fungal virus originating from a lost scientific experiment aboard the Skylab space station.

Who are the key characters in the film?

The key characters include microbiologist Dr. Hero Martins (Sosie Bacon), NASA bioterrorism expert Robert Quinn (Liam Neeson), and storage facility employees Travis (Joe Keery) and Naomi (Georgina Campbell).

Where does the story primarily unfold?

The story unfolds in Western Australia, where the initial outbreak occurs, and in Kansas, at a decommissioned Defense Security facility repurposed as a self-storage company.

Does the film offer a fresh perspective on the sci-fi horror genre, or does it rely on familiar tropes?