Frozen River

Frozen River

Year: 2008

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Courtney Hunt

DramaCrime

Ray Eddy, a struggling single mother, finds herself in dire financial straits and turns to an illegal and dangerous scheme. She partners with Lila, a determined Mohawk woman, to smuggle undocumented immigrants across the frozen St. Lawrence River from Canada to the United States. Facing harsh conditions and moral compromises, the two women risk everything as they transport people seeking a new life, all while battling the elements and the risks involved in their perilous journey.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Frozen River (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Frozen River (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Just before Christmas

The story takes place just before Christmas, a time that typically signifies joy and family gatherings. However, for the characters in 'Frozen River,' it marks a period of desperation and struggle as they confront financial hardships and the harsh realities of life. This timing adds a layer of urgency to their actions, juxtaposing holiday spirit with the challenges they face.

Location

North Country, Akwesasne St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, Canada, St. Lawrence River

The film is set in the rugged North Country of Upstate New York, near the Akwesasne St. Regis Mohawk Reservation and close to the Canadian border. Known for its cold winters and striking natural beauty, this region plays a crucial role in the characters' struggles. The St. Lawrence River serves as a frigid artery for their desperate smuggling activities, highlighting the intersection of cultures and legal boundaries.

🏞️ Landscape 🏡 Home 🇨🇦 Canada

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Main Characters – Frozen River (2008)

Meet the key characters of Frozen River (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ray Eddy

Ray Eddy, portrayed by Melissa Leo, is a resilient single mother working hard to provide for her two sons amidst financial ruins. Struggling with the disappearance of her husband and the burden of responsibilities, she displays a fierce determination to secure a better future for her family. Despite her illegal activities, her love and sacrifice for her children's well-being reveal her complex nature.

👩‍👦 Motherhood 💪 Resilience 🔥 Determination

Lila Littlewolf

Lila Littlewolf, played by Misty Upham, represents a blend of vulnerability and strength. As a member of the Mohawk community, she is deeply connected to her cultural roots, yet she faces her own struggles with poverty and loss. Her desire to reclaim her son drives her decisions, and her evolving relationship with Ray showcases the power of kinship forged in adversity.

🌍 Cultural Identity ❤️ Loss 🤝 Friendship

T.J.

T.J. is Ray's older son, who grapples with the pressure of adult responsibilities as his family sinks deeper into hardship. He is torn between supporting his mother and pursuing his education, showcasing the challenges faced by young people in troubled circumstances. His character represents the struggle to find a path in life amidst chaos and uncertainty.

👦 Youth 💔 Conflict 📚 Education

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Major Themes – Frozen River (2008)

Explore the central themes of Frozen River (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔗 Desperation

Desperation is a central theme as characters grapple with dire financial circumstances and tough choices. Ray and Lila are both in precarious situations, leading them to undertake illegal activities to survive. Their journey illustrates how desperation can drive individuals to collaborate for survival, despite the risks and moral dilemmas they face.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family Bonds

Family bonds profoundly influence the characters' decisions and motivations throughout the film. Ray's dedication to her sons and Lila's hope to reunite with her infant son drive their actions, highlighting the lengths a mother will go to protect and provide for her children. These connections between mothers and their children underscore the importance of familial relationships amidst adversity.

⚖️ Law and Morality

The tension between law and personal morality is a pervasive theme in 'Frozen River.' Ray and Lila find themselves operating outside the law in an effort to provide for their families. This theme raises questions about ethics and survival, forcing the characters—and the audience—to consider the moral implications of their choices.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Unlock the Full Story of Frozen River

Don't stop at just watching — explore Frozen River in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Frozen River is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Frozen River Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Frozen River, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Frozen River Summary

Frozen River Timeline

Track the full timeline of Frozen River with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Frozen River Timeline

More About Frozen River

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Frozen River: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Frozen River

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