The Thaw

A driven research scientist on Banks Island whose charisma masks a morally ambiguous plan. He orchestrates events leading to the outbreak and ultimately infects himself to unleash the bugs as a harsh lesson on climate change.

David’s daughter, whose strained relationship with her father drives her initial reluctance and her determined effort to survive. She grapples with harsh revelations and works to quarantine the group, ultimately confronting the consequences of her father’s actions.

A student chosen to join the research team who quickly becomes one of the first to show infection signs. Her bites and illness escalate the crisis and force containment and escalation decisions.

A student whose infection drives paranoia and aggression, destabilizing the group and hampering rescue efforts. He embodies the breakdown of rational control under the strain of an unchecked outbreak.

A member of the research team who suffers a mortal injury during the failed attempt to salvage the outpost. His loyalty and courage anchor the human toll of the crisis as he dies in Evelyn’s arms.

The helicopter pilot who becomes infected and participates in evacuation efforts before his condition worsens. He and Ling strive to survive until rescue, ultimately dying from the infection.

David’s assistant who shoots and seemingly kills him and another researcher, then dies in Evelyn’s arms. Her actions reveal the crisis’s layers of mistrust and the unpredictable paths people take under pressure.