REVIEW: “Cold Storage” (2026)

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Okay, so picture this: a super contagious bug with the potential to wipe out the world is about to get loose from an old military base. And the only people who can stop it? Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell, and Liam Neeson – seriously! That’s the setup for “Cold Storage,” and honestly, it’s as wild as it sounds. It’s a comedy horror, and it leans hard into the craziness, which, as a movie lover, I totally appreciate.

It’s surprising to learn that “Cold Storage” is only the second feature film from director Jonny Campbell, his first since “Alien Autopsy” in 2006. He’s working with a strong script by David Koepp, who adapted his own 2019 novel for the screen. The cast is equally impressive, fully committing to the film’s blend of horror and comedy. While Joseph Keery, Jonny Campbell, and Liam Neeson lead the way, they’re supported by fantastic performances from actors like Leslie Manville, Vanessa Redgrave, and Sosie Bacon.

The story begins with a claim that the government once conducted secret science experiments aboard the Skylab space station. When Skylab fell from orbit in 1979, pieces of it crashed to Earth. While most landed in the Indian Ocean, some debris hit land, including an oxygen tank near the remote village of Kiwirrkurra in Western Australia. After communication with the village is lost, bioterrorism expert Major Robert Quinn (Neeson), along with his partner Trini (Manville), joins Dr. Hero Martins (Bacon) to investigate. They soon discover a fast-spreading, deadly fungus that quickly changes and harms those it infects.

Fast forward eighteen years to the Atchison Mines, located in the Missouri River Bluffs of Kansas. This was once a highly secure, top-secret facility operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. However, the DOD eventually closed it down, and after years of being abandoned, it was purchased and converted into a self-storage business that’s open around the clock.

Meet Teacake, a talkative and anxious employee, and Naomi, his new colleague. They work the quiet night shift at a storage facility, where most nights are uneventful. However, their routine is disrupted when they investigate a strange beeping sound, leading them to a hidden console and, ultimately, to a long-abandoned military base. Deep within the base, they uncover a secret lower level where a dangerous, parasitic fungus has been contained for decades.

A dangerous fungus is quickly spreading and causing chaos inside the complex. Silent alarms alert the Department of Defense, and they call in retired Major Quinn to handle the situation. He’s dispatched to Kansas to stop the fungus from spreading beyond the facility. To prevent a potential disaster, he’ll need special equipment and assistance from both familiar and new allies.

“Cold Storage” is full of unexpected delights. The easygoing connection between Keery and Campbell is a highlight, bringing both humor and thrills to Koepp’s wonderfully over-the-top script. The film also boasts a fantastic supporting cast, including Neeson and Manville as special agents, plus memorable characters like Teacake and Naomi’s unpleasant boss (Gavin Spokes), Naomi’s clingy ex (Aaron Heffernan), a determined military Colonel (Robert Brake), Quinn’s helpful contact (Ellora Torchia), and the unfortunate Mrs. Rooney (Redgrave) who chooses the worst possible moment to visit her storage unit.

The movie is also visually impressive, using a great mix of practical effects and digital enhancements. It’s surprisingly enjoyable to watch even the gruesome parts! “Cold Storage” really offers something for all viewers, skillfully balancing humor and horror. As a fan of the genre, I was happily surprised by how well it delivered on its promise.

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2026-02-12 18:57