Cold Storage (2025) by Jonny Campbell: A Viral Nightmare with a Comedic Twist
- dailyentertainment95
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Short Summary: Fungal Freakout
Two employees working a self-storage facility's night shift have their world turned upside down when a deadly, brain-controlling fungus escapes from a sealed military sublevel beneath their workplace. As the microorganism spreads and causes its victims to gruesomely explode, the duo must team up with a grizzled bioterror operative to navigate the escalating chaos and prevent a global catastrophe.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8879928/
Theatrical Release: A Nationwide Debut
The film is set to be released in theaters nationwide in 2026. A specific release date has not yet been announced.
Detailed Summary: A Race Against Exploding Heads
Decades ago, a lethal and highly infectious microorganism was contained within a military facility, sealed away from the world.
In the present day, a self-storage company has been built on the site of this former base, with its lowest, most dangerous level completely forgotten.
The film follows two young employees, Teacake (Joe Keery) and Naomi (Georgina Campbell), who unwittingly unleash the parasitic fungus during their night shift.
As the fungus awakens due to rising temperatures, it begins to infect the facility’s inhabitants, leading to a series of grotesque and explosive incidents.
The pair must join forces with Robert Quinn (Liam Neeson), a retired bioterror operative who originally helped contain the fungus, to navigate the increasingly chaotic and dangerous facility and prevent a full-scale global pandemic.
Director's Vision: Blending Sci-Fi, Horror, and Dark Humor
Jonny Campbell's vision for Cold Storage is to create a film that is "classic entertainment combining epic scale and microscopic detail," based on David Koepp's "mischievously witty" source novel.
Campbell was drawn to Koepp's unique blend of "comic absurdity and visionary reality," aiming to deliver a film that is both a thrilling and terrifying experience while also leaning into the dark comedy of the situation.
The director's goal is to create a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride that is also character-driven, focusing on the dynamic between the bumbling employees and the cynical, no-nonsense bioterror operative.
Themes: The Dangers of Unseen Threats and the Comedy of Chaos
The Ticking Clock of Extinction: The central theme revolves around the race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. The film explores the anxiety of an unseen, constantly evolving threat that can bring humanity to its knees.
Corporate Negligence and Military Secrecy: The film touches on the theme of corporate and military responsibility, as the deadly microorganism is unleashed due to a lack of awareness and the neglect of a sealed, dangerous space.
The Unlikely Hero: The story is built on the theme of ordinary people rising to extraordinary circumstances. Two young, seemingly unqualified employees are thrust into a world-ending scenario and must rely on their wits and an unlikely ally to survive.
Key Success Factors: A Stellar Cast and a Masterful Screenwriter
Liam Neeson's Comedic Turn: Liam Neeson's casting as the grizzled bioterror operative is a key factor. His signature intensity, when used for deadpan humor, is expected to be a major highlight, building on his recent success in comedic roles.
A Talented Supporting Cast: The performances of Joe Keery (Stranger Things) and Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) are essential to the film's success. Their chemistry and ability to handle both the comedic and horror elements of the story are crucial.
Screenwriter David Koepp: The film is based on a novel by and adapted by acclaimed screenwriter David Koepp, known for his work on blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible. This pedigree promises a well-structured and entertaining script that blends action, humor, and scares.
Critics Reception: A Positive Buzz for a Gross-Out Thriller
Nerdist: Praises the film's trailer for delivering "one of the grossest body horror trailers of 2025," calling the film a "good gross-out horror, biohazard outbreak comedy movie in the vein of Planet Terror or Slither."
Screen Rant: Notes the film’s similarity to The Last of Us but highlights its "much lighter tone" as the key differentiator. The review commends Neeson's return to comedy and Keery's performance.
Overall Summary: The critics' reception, based on early trailers and promotional material, is overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers are excited about the film's unique blend of horror and dark comedy, praising its stellar cast, David Koepp's involvement, and its potential to be a fun, visceral, and memorable genre film. The film is being pitched as a more comedic and action-oriented take on the fungal apocalypse subgenre.
Reviews: A Gory and Hilarious Good Time
Based on initial reactions to trailers, reviewers are already excited, with many calling it a much-needed entry into the horror-comedy subgenre. The film is described as "gory and hilarious," with many citing the explosive gore and the comedic timing of Joe Keery as key highlights.
The film's use of a parasitic fungus as a villain has drawn comparisons to The Last of Us, but reviewers note that Cold Storage differentiates itself through its fast-paced action, dark humor, and a more lighthearted tone.
The film is being described as "pure popcorn fun" and "riotously entertaining," with its blend of horror and comedy appealing to a broad audience.
Why to watch this movie: A Fast-Paced, Fun, and Bloody Good Time
A Modern Horror-Comedy: If you love horror films that don't take themselves too seriously, Cold Storage is for you. It promises a thrilling and terrifying story with a healthy dose of dark humor, gore, and action.
A Fantastic Ensemble: The cast, led by the unexpected trio of Liam Neeson, Joe Keery, and Georgina Campbell, is a huge draw. The combination of their different acting styles is sure to create some memorable on-screen chemistry.
From a Master Storyteller: The film is based on a novel and screenplay by David Koepp, a screenwriter responsible for some of the most iconic blockbusters of all time. You can expect a tight, well-paced, and engaging story.
A Visceral and Exciting Experience: With its "body-bursting terrors" and nerve-shredding action, the film promises to be a wild, fun, and visually impressive ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Movie Trend: The Bio-Horror Resurgence
Cold Storage is part of a growing trend of bio-horror films and television shows, often centered around contagious pathogens and fungi. With the popularity of shows like The Last of Us, the public is fascinated by stories of unseen threats and the potential for a biological apocalypse. The film taps into this trend while also carving out its own space with its unique comedic tone.
Social Trend: The Fear of the Unseen Pandemic
The film reflects a contemporary social trend rooted in the post-pandemic world's anxieties about contagious diseases and global health threats. The fear of a rapidly spreading, mutating virus or fungus is a deeply resonant fear for many, and Cold Storage capitalizes on this by creating a fictional, yet eerily plausible, scenario. It uses this real-world fear to build suspense, while also offering a comedic release.
Final Verdict: A Blast of Brain-Bursting Fun
Cold Storage is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and fun films of the year. It masterfully blends action, horror, and comedy into a single, cohesive package. The talented cast, led by a surprisingly funny Liam Neeson, and the strong script by David Koepp promise a high-octane thrill ride. While the premise may remind some of other recent works, its unique comedic tone and fast-paced action set it apart. For anyone looking for a movie that is both genuinely terrifying and laugh-out-loud funny, Cold Storage is a must-see.
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