Dark and disturbing Canadian psycho-drama that sees traveling salesman Stephen (Paul Gross) being rescued in a blizzard by truck driver, Floyd (Maury Chaykin). Floyd takes Stephen back to his isolated snowbound farmstead home where he’s introduced to Floyd’s daughter, Dolores (Margaret Langrick). Initially grateful, Stephen becomes increasingly terrified as Maury begins to behave ever more psychotically and the sexual dynamics between the trio begins to develop. The story is adapted from the stage play by James Garrard and plays out as a tense and claustrophobic drama. Director Vic Sarin uses the isolated dilapidated farmhouse setting to great effect, keeping the story unpredictable and the dynamics between the characters ever evolving. There are some well-constructed set-pieces, including a bizarre birthday party for Dolores where she performs a strange striptease that ends in explosive anger. Margaret Langrick and Paul Gross are both very good but the film is very much carried by Maury Chaykin’s terrifying performance. He’s scary, angry and unpredictable but with an undercurrent of loneliness and isolation – terrifying but completely believable throughout. “Cold Comfort” is a psychologically dark little thriller; it is tautly directed, with plenty of creepy and chilling elements and a fantastic central performance. ( )