The movie world is buzzing with the release of a wild, action-packed sci-fi horror-comedy that’s blending thrills, laughs, and gross-out scares. Cold Storage, starring Liam Neeson in a fresh, over-the-top role, hit theaters in the US on February 13, 2026 (with earlier releases in some international markets like Mexico and Brazil on January 29, 2026). As of mid-February 2026, the film is now playing in cinemas, earning solid buzz for its fun, chaotic energy and a killer cast.
The story picks up in a seemingly ordinary self-storage facility built on top of an abandoned US military base. Decades ago, the government sealed away a highly dangerous, mutating parasitic fungus (a bio-weapon gone wrong) in the deepest sublevels. Now, thanks to rising temperatures underground, the fungus breaks free—spreading rapidly, infecting everything in its path, and turning people, animals, and objects into grotesque horrors. Two night-shift employees, Teacake (Joe Keery) and Naomi (Georgina Campbell), find themselves trapped in the wildest, most terrifying shift of their lives. When things spiral out of control, a grizzled, retired bioterrorism operative named Robert Quinn (Liam Neeson) gets pulled back into action to help contain the outbreak before it escapes and wipes out humanity. The tone mixes high-stakes survival horror with sharp humor, splattery effects, and a “Shaun of the Dead”-style vibe—think non-stop chaos, witty banter, and unexpected comedic moments from big-name stars.
The title draws from David Koepp’s 2019 novel of the same name (Koepp also wrote the screenplay, bringing his Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible expertise). This isn’t a straight horror flick—it’s a popcorn thrill ride with action, comedy, and body-horror elements that keep you laughing and jumping at the same time. Liam Neeson has leaned into the absurdity, poking fun at his tough-guy image while delivering serious stakes.
Star-Studded Cast and Exciting Twists The ensemble brings major star power:
- Liam Neeson as Robert Quinn / the grizzled bioterror expert—less Taken-style action hero, more sarcastic mentor with hilarious deadpan delivery.
- Joe Keery (Stranger Things) as Teacake—the relatable, quick-witted night-shift worker thrust into chaos.
- Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) as Naomi—tough, charismatic, and stealing scenes with her energy.
- Supporting roles include Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, and Lesley Manville—adding gravitas and wild moments (yes, even Redgrave gets in on the action).
Directed by Jonny Campbell, with production from the team behind Zombieland, the film delivers spectacular practical effects, tense set pieces in the creepy storage facility, and a brisk 1h 39m runtime packed with fun.
Why Fans Are Buzzing The excitement is real for several reasons:
- Liam Neeson’s Fresh Take — After years of similar action thrillers, seeing him in a comedic, self-aware role is a treat. Fans love the shift to lighter (but still intense) territory.
- Genre Mash-Up — Sci-fi horror + comedy + action = pure entertainment. It’s being called a guilty-pleasure B-movie with A-list talent—perfect for a fun night out.
- Cast Chemistry — Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell carry the youthful energy, while Neeson adds veteran cool. The mix of Stranger Things charm and horror grit works surprisingly well.
- Early Reception — With a 73% on Rotten Tomatoes (from early reviews), it’s praised as brisk, funny, and entertaining—great for fans tired of overly serious blockbusters.
- Popcorn Fun — In a year full of big franchises, this stands out as a wild, contained thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Trailers dropped in late 2025, building huge hype, and now that it’s out, audiences are loving the “wildest night shift ever” vibe.
Where to Watch Cold Storage (2026) Cold Storage is currently in theaters, distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films (US) and StudioCanal (international). Catch it now:
- Fandango: Buy tickets and check showtimes
- AMC Theatres / Cinemark / Regal: Find local screenings
- For international (e.g., UK on Feb 20, Thailand/Bangkok): Check Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, or local chains
Streaming availability hasn’t been announced yet (as of February 2026). Expect a theatrical-to-VOD window first (likely late spring/summer 2026), then platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or others depending on deals. Keep an eye on official updates from Samuel Goldwyn, StudioCanal, or streaming services.
In the meantime, prep by checking out the cast’s other hits:
- Joe Keery in Stranger Things (Netflix)
- Georgina Campbell in Barbarian (streaming on various platforms)
- Liam Neeson classics like Taken or Non-Stop (rent/buy on Prime, Apple TV, etc.)
What do you think—does Cold Storage sound like your kind of wild ride, or are you more into straight horror? Drop your thoughts! 😄🦠
