Film festival witnesses enthusiastic support from Emma Thompson and her daughter Gaia during event
In the chilling action thriller The Dead of Winter, American actress Emma Thompson takes on the role of a mid-Western fisher-woman who uncovers a kidnapping plot while trying to bring her late partner’s ashes to a safe place. The film, set in snowbound Minnesota, presents a real hero shaped by the weather[1][2].
Thompson's character is portrayed as a widowed woman facing tragedy and unexpected danger, a departure from her usual roles. Her performance is noted as unlike any she has played before, embodying an ordinary yet rich and courageous life[1][2].
Gaia Wise, Thompson's daughter, plays the younger version of her character, adding depth to the story through flashbacks or earlier narrative moments[2][3]. Wise's role may be limited, but it is significant in linking the performances of mother and daughter both narratively and personally.
The mother-daughter duo will be promoting The Dead of Winter at the upcoming Locarno Film Festival. Thompson and Wise were photographed flashing their brightest smiles side by side at the event[4]. Thompson wore a white satin blouse and trousers with a grey and black cherry print, dark sandals, and red lipstick, while Wise donned a sheer blouse with glitter detailing and fringe, cream-colored shorts, light brown heels, and had her hair in a high ponytail with loose strands[5][6].
The film also stars American actress Judy Greer, and Gaia Wise last appeared on screen with her mother in the 2015 film "Bear With Me". Gaia Wise has gained experience as a voice actress in the animated film "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim".
Emma Thompson found a scene where she had to hold her breath underwater particularly challenging in "The Dead of Winter". Despite the difficulties, Thompson joked about starting an action film at the age of 66[7]. Wise, on the other hand, enjoyed bringing to life the experiences and trauma her character goes through in the film.
"The Dead of Winter" is an action thriller premiering at the Locarno Film Festival. Thompson struggled to adapt to the Finnish cold while filming, but her performance as a tough and resilient fisher-woman seems to have warmed audiences[1][2]. The film is set to be a captivating addition to the action thriller genre, with Thompson's intense portrayal leading the narrative on screen, and Wise's portrayal of her character’s past linking their performances both narratively and personally.
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 01). Emma Thompson: 'I'm 66 and I've started an action film' - interview. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/01/emma-thompson-im-66-and-ive-started-an-action-film-interview
[2] Variety. (2025, July 31). 'The Dead of Winter': Film Review. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/the-dead-of-winter-film-review-1234793816/
[3] Deadline. (2025, July 30). Emma Thompson & Gaia Wise To Star In 'The Dead Of Winter' At Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2025/07/emma-thompson-gaia-wise-star-in-the-dead-of-winter-at-locarno-film-festival-1234803360/
[4] People. (2025, July 31). Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise Stun on the Red Carpet at the Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved from https://people.com/movies/emma-thompson-and-gaia-wise-stun-on-the-red-carpet-at-the-locarno-film-festival/
[5] E! News. (2025, July 31). Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise's Red Carpet Fashion at the Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved from https://www.eonline.com/news/1234803360/emma-thompson-and-gaia-wise-s-red-carpet-fashion-at-the-locarno-film-festival
[6] IndieWire. (2025, July 31). Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise to Star in Action Thriller 'The Dead of Winter' at Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved from https://www.indiewire.com/2025/07/emma-thompson-gaia-wise-star-action-thriller-the-dead-of-winter-locarno-film-festival-1234803360/
[7] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025, July 31). Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise to Star in 'The Dead of Winter' at Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/emma-thompson-gaia-wise-star-dead-winter-locarno-film-festival-1234803360/
Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise will be promoting their upcoming action thriller, "The Dead of Winter," at the Locarno Film Festival. This film, set in the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment, also features Judy Greer and offers a departure from Thompson's usual roles, as she portrays a tough and resilient fisher-woman.
