In 1992 Chile, a young girl's world unravels when her European skier friend vanishes at a snowy resort. Manuela Martelli's follow-up to Argentina, 1985 is a tense drama-thriller with a standout cast. In Belgian cinemas now.
Set in 1992 Chile, The Meltdown (El deshielo) follows Inés, a young girl left in the care of her grandparents who run a hotel at the foot of a ski resort. When she befriends Hanna, a European skier training in Chile, her world seems to open up—until Hanna disappears one night, and the search unveils a series of hidden situations. Directed by Manuela Martelli, this drama-thriller is a slow-burn exploration of innocence, secrets, and the icy landscapes of the Andes.
Martelli, known for her acting work in films like Il futuro, made a splash with her 2022 directorial debut Argentina, 1985 (co-directed with Santiago Mitre), which tackled political turmoil. With The Meltdown, she shifts to a more intimate, psychological terrain. The film boasts a compelling cast: Maya O’Rourke as Inés, Saskia Rosendahl (Lore) as Hanna, and Polish actor Jakub Gierszał (Suicide Room) in a key role. The mix of Chilean and European talent mirrors the story's cultural collision.
Did you know? The film's original title, El deshielo, translates to 'the thaw'—a nod to both the melting snow of the ski resort and the gradual unraveling of the characters' hidden truths. At 108 minutes, the film builds tension through its stark, snowy setting, reminiscent of Nordic noir but with a distinctly Latin American political undercurrent. Given the 1992 setting, just after Chile's return to democracy, the backdrop adds layers of societal transition and unease.
With a 5.7/10 rating on TMDB, The Meltdown is polarizing but rewarding for fans of atmospheric thrillers. If you appreciate films that blend personal drama with suspense a la Winter's Bone or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, this one's for you. Catch it now in Belgian cinemas—and keep an eye on Manuela Martelli, a director on the rise.
