Ava thought the hardest part of her life was behind bars, but her first night of freedom becomes a literal death trap. While attempting to rebuild her shattered drug empire, she inadvertently witnesses a high-level execution that she wasn’t meant to see. Suddenly, the hunter becomes the hunted, as Ava is forced to navigate a depraved urban underworld where the police are as dangerous as the cartels.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Release Date: 2026
Stars: Maika Monroe, Troy Kotsur, Allan Hawco, Helen Hunt, Jesse Irving
Language: English
Runtime: 96 mins
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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If u look at the scene 4 the execution, u can see the ‘director’ trying 2 make a point about power n corruption
Amen to that! 🙌 And Ava’s transformation 2 the ‘queen’ was EVERYTHING!
Dude @BenWalker, I think it’s more complex than u think, tbh. The themes are woven 2gether pretty well!
I think Ava’s mistakes r 2 b blamed on the ppl around her, not the 1% that control things
Was hoping for a more satisfying ending tbh, still loved it tho! 😂
I’m not buying into the hate, guys; some ppl r just not used 2 seeing strong female leads like Ava!
What’s w/ all you guys complaining, I thought the ending was PERFECT?!
Omg @Felipe, I’m DYING over here! Could u pls explain why u loved the ending???
What a massive disappointment… Thought it was 2 be a movie about the 1%?
Honestly, I think u r right, @Somchai, the movie’s not entirely clear on that point
Can someone explain 2 me why they made Ava so likable, if she’s literally a drug lord?
Best movie of the year, trust me lol!
I thought it was just a standard execution for the sake of shock value, tbh…
@Sipho lol yeah, people’s always complaining bout the same stuff, still loved it tho!
tbh @Kondwani, I think we r supposed 2 believe they’re the good guys, just cuz Ava trustd them
Don’t know about that, @Budi, they seemed kinda sketchy from the start?
Gonna give this movie 5 stars, only reason why I give 4 is the music track choice imo
I agree w/ Lars, soundtrack was kinda meh for the entire 2nd part, still a must watch tho!
The action scenes were top-notch! Reminded me of old-school Tarantino flicks
One thing I’m not sure about…Is Ava’s new crew supposed 2 be trustworthy? Asking 4 everyone!
Not my cup of tea, but I can see why some people enjoy it. Maybe watch it again in a few years
What a wild ride! The politics surrounding Ava’s business were so complex and intriguing
The slow burn really worked for me. Built up the tension and suspense nicely
Who else thought the lead actress was miscast? Not buying Ava’s toughness at all
The thrilling plot had me hooked! I loved the twist at the end, didn’t see it coming
I don’t get why everyone’s raving about this movie. The acting was subpar and the storyline was predictable
I think Ava’s downfall is her own making. She’s too reliant on her past successes
@Sibusiso Radebe I’d love a spin-off but maybe a TV series instead of a film
The score in In Cold Light is insane! Whoever composed it deserves an Oscar for sure
@Emma Bakker I agree the subplot could’ve been trimmed down but it adds to Ava’s growth as a character
Can we get a spin-off for Ava’s sister? That actress killed it in her scenes
In Cold Light is the perfect blend of crime and drama. Can we get more of that in future thrillers?
I loved how In Cold Light humanized Ava despite all the chaos surrounding her. She’s not just a villain, she’s a complex character
Just watched In Cold Light and I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger ending! What do you guys think is going to happen next?
@Yetunde Abiodun I’m still on the edge of my seat after that first night of freedom. Ava’s desperation is so palpable
Has anyone else noticed the themes of trauma and addiction in In Cold Light? It’s so thought-provoking
I don’t get why Ava’s empire was so important to the plot. Could’ve done without that whole subplot
What did you guys think of the cinematography in In Cold Light? It’s so gritty and immersive
The pacing of In Cold Light was a bit uneven but the action scenes made up for it