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Netflix’s Spy Thriller IN FROM THE COLD Presents Strong Family Bonds, But Is Marred by Violence

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Netflix’s Spy Thriller IN FROM THE COLD Presents Strong Family Bonds, But Is Marred by Violence

By Movieguide® Contributor

IN FROM THE COLD is a new spy thriller streaming on Netflix. The series tells the tale of an ex-Russian spy who is now a single American mother, Jenny. While on a trip to Madrid for her daughter’s figure skating competition, Jenny is found and exposed as Anya Petrova—a character with a past and more secrets than one could ever guess.

The Netflix original series stars Margarita Levieva, Cillian O’Sullivan and Lydia Fleming and was created by Adam Glass.

Jenny Franklin appears to be your average mom on a trip with her daughter until she is extracted from her hotel in Madrid by the CIA. Jenny is forced to reveal her true identity, Anya Petrova, the Russian spy known as “the Whisper.”

Jenny is forced back into her old ways to avoid prison and must now help the CIA in whatever way necessary to investigate and unravel the mysterious incidents of a mind-control plot that has resulted in gruesome murders.

Jenny’s daughter Becca knows nothing of her mother’s past, which causes significant tension in their relationship. While Jenny starts acting differently and disappearing for large amounts of time, Becca tries to get her team to like her.

Jenny must juggle helping the CIA while also trying to be there for her daughter and not let Becca find out anything about her secret life. Things become more complicated as viewers learn more of Jenny’s unknown past…

Will Jenny and the CIA catch the mind controller? Will Becca catch on to her mother? Will the figure skating competition go on?

IN FROM THE COLD contains a predominant pagan worldview with very few Christian or Biblical values. The series is predicated on lying, stealing, cheating, and killing. The villains crave power and control and have no issue harming anyone who gets in their way. However, there are brief instances of Christian elements when one character mentions God and forgiveness and goes to church.

IN FROM THE COLD has excessive foul language with over 50 obscenities and a handful of profanities throughout the series. There is also crude language (and humor). There is extreme violence as the series revolves around spies and the CIA. People are seen beating each other to death, stabbing others, shooting (lots of shooting guns), throwing people over railings, and much more. There is also a great deal of blood throughout the series.

The nudity depicted is mostly non-sexual as characters need to be nude to morph their bodies or become camouflaged. There are also a few scenes of nudity that include various states of undress or show women in their undergarments with men shirtless. A club features a “Touching Room” made specifically for sexual encounters in one scene. Sexual content is implied and depicted once, in addition to heavy making out and groping throughout.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking are both depicted equally. Smoking is typical in the foreign countries, and drinking happens throughout. There is mention of underage drinking with the girls because the legal drinking age is 18 in Spain. Miscellaneous immorality is nonstop in this series, with lying, stealing, backstabbing, and killing with homosexual activity both mentioned and depicted.

The production quality of IN FROM THE COLD was quite impressive. The series shifts between places throughout numerous countries, including Russia and Spain, and the scenery is stunning. The filming, lighting, and colors in each set were all crafted through a creative eye. The writing was also well done, keeping the audience engaged. At times it seemed there might be a few too many things going on, but overall the production was well-executed.

IN FROM THE COLD has a dominant pagan worldview due to its lack of moral elements and depictions of immorality. The violence is extreme, as is the language and miscellaneous immorality, including lying, stealing, and killing. There are slight redeeming qualities with the character who believes in God and mentions salvation to her evildoing son. The bond and love of family, which includes forgiveness, is also addressed. However, Movieguide® advises extreme caution for teenagers and adults.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.