The Ice Road

The Ice Road

Year: 2021

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh

ActionAdventureDramaThriller

A perilous rescue mission unfolds in the unforgiving Canadian wilderness when a team of miners becomes trapped after a devastating mine collapse. A skilled ice road driver, played by Liam Neeson, is enlisted to transport essential equipment across a treacherous, rapidly-changing frozen lake. Battling against the clock and facing dangerous conditions, he must contend with the challenges of the icy terrain while also uncovering a hidden danger that threatens everyone involved.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Ice Road (2021)

Trace every key event in The Ice Road (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Trapped Miners

An explosive incident at a mine in Manitoba leaves 26 miners trapped underground, sparking a desperate rescue effort. This crisis sets the stage for the unfolding events as the miners’ families await news about their loved ones.

Manitoba
2

Job Loss

Mike McCann and his brother Gurty are terminated from their trucking jobs in North Dakota due to a confrontation with another trucker. Frustrated and unemployed, they realize the urgent need for ice road truckers to assist in the rescue efforts.

North Dakota
3

Joining the Rescue

Mike and Gurty quickly apply for a job in Winnipeg as ice road truckers, eager to help with the rescue operation. They join forces with Jim Goldenrod and a young mechanic named Tantoo, who are both committed to saving the trapped miners.

Winnipeg
4

The Rescue Mission

As the team prepares to set off, they learn that a significant reward of $200,000 is available to support the miners' families if they succeed in the rescue. With three wellheads in tow, they start their hazardous journey across the ice.

5

Goldenrod's Sacrifice

During the perilous journey, Jim Goldenrod encounters a mechanical failure, causing his engine to seize. As he becomes trapped beneath his trailer, he bravely asks Tantoo to cut the strap to save the others, sacrificing himself in the process.

6

Betrayal and Tension

Varnay pressures Mike into falsely accusing Tantoo of sabotage just as tensions rise. When confronted, Tantoo reveals her brother is one of the trapped miners, which intensifies the conflict between the team members.

7

Locked Up

Varnay's true colors come to light when he locks Mike and Gurty inside their rig and plots to detonate Mike's truck. The brothers manage to escape in the nick of time, casting the dynamite aside and thwarting Varnay's malevolent plan.

8

Winch Failure

As the rescue continues, Gurty warns Mike of an impending winch failure. Despite the warning, the winch breaks, resulting in Gurty and their trailer plunging into icy waters, highlighting the risks they face in their mission.

9

Gurty's Heroism

In a moment of bravery, Gurty uses his pet rat Skeeter to distract Varnay, allowing Tantoo to fight back against him. Gurty's earlier determination pays off as he and Mike manage to save each other from the devastating challenges they face.

10

Dramatic Sacrifice

In a climactic moment, Mike crashes his rig into Varnay’s truck, sending it over a cliff to protect Tantoo and Gurty. Although he survives the crash, Varnay triggers an avalanche, further complicating their already dire situation.

11

Struggle for Survival

As they navigate the ensuing chaos after the avalanche, Tantoo is injured by debris. Despite the heartbreak, Mike and Gurty manage to uncouple her trailer and continue towards the mine, showcasing their determination to save the miners.

12

Final Confrontation

In a nail-biting conclusion, Mike boards Varnay's truck, leading to a final struggle. The fight culminates in chaos, ending with Varnay meeting his end when his rig falls through the ice.

13

Gurty's Last Moments

Gurty makes a heroic attempt to prevent their truck from plunging off a collapsing bridge. Tragically, he succumbs to his injuries while comforting Mike, marking a devastating moment in their journey.

14

Successful Rescue

Just as the team arrives at the mine, they succeed in their mission and the miners are finally rescued. However, the fallout from the harrowing experience puts Katka CEO Thomason in a tough spot, leading to the arrest of a complicit individual.

Mine
15

A New Beginning

Three months later, Tantoo finds new purpose working as a mechanic in Goldenrod’s garage. Mike returns, driving a shiny new truck that symbolizes a fresh start, with a license plate that honors Gurty's legacy.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:15

Unlock the Full Story of The Ice Road

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The Ice Road Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Ice Road, 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.

The Ice Road Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ice Road

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ice Road

The Ice Road Ending Explained

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The Ice Road Ending Explained

More About The Ice Road

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