The Frozen Ground

In 1983, 17-year-old Cindy Paulson is found handcuffed in an Anchorage motel, pleading for help. She is rescued by an officer from the Anchorage Police Department, who rushes her to the hospital for a rape kit examination.

At the precinct, detectives listen to Cindy recount her harrowing experience of abduction and sexual assault. Despite her detailed account, they dismiss her allegations due to her status as a prostitute and question her age claims.

The officer who saved Cindy becomes frustrated by the detectives' inaction. Trusting his instincts, he copies the case details and sends them to the Alaska State Police, hoping to spark a more serious investigation.

State trooper Jack Halcombe is called to investigate a body found in the wilderness, partially devoured by bears. This leads to the discovery of a disturbing trend of missing girls linked to Hansen.

Cindy shares chilling details about her captivity, including her daring escape from Hansen's vehicle. Her bravery becomes pivotal as investigators seek to understand Hansen's profile and methods.

Another victim, Debbie Peters, falls into Hansen's trap when he lures her with false promises of a photo shoot. Hansen takes her to his home, where she is bound and realizes the danger she is in.

In a terrifying scene, Hansen leaves Debbie in a trophy room only to return and force her into a deadly game of cat and mouse. She escapes into the wilderness, but Hansen hunts her down as she desperately seeks safety.

As Halcombe struggles to substantiate the case against Hansen, Cindy attempts to retake her previous life. She spots Hansen at a strip club, leading to a frantic chase that nearly ends in her capture.

Fearing capture, Hansen makes frantic efforts to destroy evidence linking him to the crimes and escapes to the airport with his son. Meanwhile, Halcombe pushes for a search warrant to uncover the truth.

Despite Halcombe's persistent efforts, an initial search of Hansen's property yields no incriminating evidence, leaving him frustrated. This moment emphasizes the challenge of building a solid case against a seemingly model citizen.

A second search of Hansen's home finally uncovers a hidden cache of firearms, one of which is linked to numerous murders. It becomes a crucial breakthrough in the investigation.

While under police protection, Cindy slips away and returns to her previous lifestyle, leading to another dangerous encounter. Halcombe arrives just in time to rescue her, showcasing the ongoing peril she faces.

In a clever interrogation tactic, Halcombe uses a bracelet belonging to one of Hansen's victims to provoke a confession. With Cindy present, the pressure mounts on Hansen during the questioning.

The film culminates with Robert Hansen admitting to the brutal murders of 17 women and assaulting 30 others. He is sentenced to an astounding 461 years plus life without the possibility of parole.

The film concludes with a dedication to Hansen's victims and displays real photographs, illuminating the chilling reality behind the narrative. It serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the impact of Hansen's horrific actions.