Frozen River

R

Released Aug 1, 2008

1h 36m

Drama

List

88%

Tomatometer

139 Reviews

74%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

After her husband deserts her, working-class mother Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo) is in great need of money to find a home. Lured by the possibility of easy cash, Ray joins Lila (Misty Upham) a widowed Mohawk who earns a living by smuggling immigrants from Canada to the U.S. across the St. Lawrence.

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Critics Consensus

Veteran character actress Melissa Leo delivers a stunning performance in this powerful -- if grim -- indie film.

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Alyx Vesey

Bitch Media

A gripping story.

Jan 5, 2021

Full Review

Ryan Gilbey

Sight & Sound

Melissa Leo must take at least as much credit for the film's successes as her director. She isn't merely tough as old boots - she makes old boots look like ballet shoes.

Jul 6, 2018

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

... I thought the performances were good, but I just thought it could have done more.

Rated: B+

Sep 12, 2017

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

[Courtney] Hunt’s drama is devastating, not because of the tragic twists, but because of the human reality of poverty and desperation, and the equally human triumph of generosity and sacrifice in the face of it.

Nov 18, 2023

Full Review

Jason Best

Movie Talk

Leo's gritty authenticity ensures that Frozen River never loosens its icy, unbearably tense grip.

Nov 23, 2020

Full Review

Nikki Baughan

Roll Credits

Focused, poignant and expertly-crafted, Frozen River asks a great deal of an audience used to tales of triumph against all the odds and happy endings but it's about as rewarding a viewing experience as you're likely to find.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 30, 2019

Full Review

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Dennis B

Well acted and super realistic movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/24

Full Review

Mark K

The movie's pace was slow but I believe that was intentional and worked well. The story unfolded smoothly. The director excelled, and the acting suited the film perfectly. I highly recommend it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/18/23

Full Review

Tom S

A lot of times human interest stories are boring. This was strong on performances & realistic dialogue. In 2023 the Chinese just walk across the border in great numbers & get all the benefits our veterans don't get. Maybe an update movie needs to be made.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Upon a frozen river lies an uncertain path This is one of those rare indie movies that depicts poverty from a certain angle It exists everywhere but in some ways is worse for people Director Courtney Hunt with Melissa Leo and Misty Upham Ray Eddy is abandoned by her husband and she’s virtually broke, she must find a way to make some money After running into a Mohawk woman she stumbles into the business of smuggling people across the border from Canada It’s good money but how long before Ray sees it’s just plain wrong? One of the women even makes a statement there’s no border in this business more like free trade between nations This movie presents itself as an honest portrayal of dark trials in motherhood A very human tale about desperation while also facing the barriers emotional and criminal Even the American dream can push us-rich and poor alike The film works thanks to Leo’s performance and the sheer coldness of the environment she’s been forced into making icy decisions serving a rich character study This shows that a mother will go above and beyond the law to save her children even if it’s a dirty money maker

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/03/23

Full Review

s r

A low budget film that kept my interest, but the stupidity of the writing brought it down. Saw it on HBO.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

dax h

I don't know what it is, but I can't find a movie I like lately. I thought this one would break the drought, but it didn't. The movie felt like it was one note the entire time.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Courtney Hunt

Director

Melissa Leo

Ray Eddy

Misty Upham

Lila

Michael O'Keefe

Trooper Finnerty

Mark Boone Junior

Jacques Bruno

Charlie McDermott

T.J.

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Synopsis

After her husband deserts her, working-class mother Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo) is in great need of money to find a home. Lured by the possibility of easy cash, Ray joins Lila (Misty Upham) a widowed Mohawk who earns a living by smuggling immigrants from Canada to the U.S. across the St. Lawrence.

Director: Courtney Hunt
Producer: Chip Hourihan, Heather Rae
Screenwriter: Courtney Hunt
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Harwood Hunt
Rating: R (Some Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 7, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.5M
Runtime: 1h 36m

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