Thought the world of drug deals and crime had been explored in every way, shape and form? Think again. With a dash of Canadian flavor, 'In Cold Light' speeds into the world of cinema. Yes, it leaves us craving more answers than we bargain for, but boy-oh-boy, does it keep you at the edge of your seat!

Revolving around our leading lady, Ava – a tough cookie with a sensitive heart played by Maika Monroe – this film starts off with a bang! Ava gets arrested and thrown in the big house for making a few unlucky choices. Two years later, we find her marching back into the world, hoping to switch lanes on the crime-ride. Except her twin brother Tom, played by Jesse Irving, is still in the fast lane of drug dealing and unfortunately, so is Ava. The plot twists and turns, and before you know it, Ava is on a wild goose chase with some very crazy criminals.

Monroe built quite a name for herself from ‘It Follows’ and ‘Longlegs’ with her tough-but-tender appeal. She steps up the game in 'In Cold Light', doubling as both a heated criminal and a soft-hearted care-giver to Tom's tot. Let's not kid ourselves, Ava is far from the picture of an angel. But Monroe does make you root for her, against all odds. And something tells us this isn't going to be an easy win!

The gripping tale is brought to us by French-Canadian hotshot, Maxime Giroux, who successfully managed to keep us biting our nails through Ava's roller coaster journey. Plus, discovering Ava's former rodeo-star father, played by Oscar winner from CODA, Troy Kotsur, provides a breather with some heartfelt sequences. We won't lie, we hope to dig deeper into his history in future Giroux projects.

‘In Cold Light’ steals the show with stunning Alberta landscapes, beautifully captured by Cinematographer Sara Mishara. Balancing gritty violence with serene beauty, her spellbinding visuals glue audiences to their seats, making it a treat for the eyes.

Besides, Kotsur, we've also got Oscar superstar Helen Hunt in this film! Although it takes her a moment to join the action, Hunt comes along portraying a wicked drug boss, responsible for all the havoc Ava's currently dealing with. A fine performer, no doubt, but we can't help but think there's untold depth to her story left untouched.

In short, 'In Cold Light', a exhilarating crime thriller brought into a new perspective thanks to expert cinematography and commendable performances. Maxime Giroux's firm grip on the narrative and Monroe's portrayal of Ava in a morally-grey world are achievements that deserve to take center stage. A twisted tale with the right dose of substance, it's sure to turn heads in the genre!