In case you missed it … ‘First Snow’

What would you do if you were told you would die by the first snow of the season? Would you believe it? How would your life look from that point on? Would you relish every moment you had left, or … would you become so paranoid that those last days or weeks were wasted worrying about the details of your death?

First Snow, written and directed by Mark Fergus, follows the final days of the life of Jimmy Starks (Guy Pearce). Jimmy is an egotistical smooth-talking salesman looking for his big score. While returning home from a business trip, Starks’ car breaks down and he finds himself stranded in a dusty old town while the mechanic waits for parts. During his stay, he visits a man named Vacaro in an RV who says he can tell fortunes. Starks figures its all for fun, until Vacaro (J.K. Simmons) senses something that disturbs him and ceases the reading. Starks has an argument with Vacaro over getting his money’s worth then leaves, only to realize through odd coincidences that there may be something to Vacaro’s readings. Starks returns to have Vacaro finish the reading, but Vacaro reluctantly leaves him only with this advice … “One thing is certain… you will be safe until the first snow.”

Guy Pearce is great in this suspenseful story of one man’s struggle with himself as he approaches what he believes is his inevitable fate. Fergus weaves a fascinating story, touching on themes of guilt, remorse, regret and the emotions of fear and loss. First Snow ends with a wonderful twist that both surprises its audience and also fulfills a certain need we develop for Stark’s redemption.