The Ice Storm

The Ice Storm

Year: 1997

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Ang Lee

Drama

In the late 1970s, a seemingly perfect suburban family experiences a crisis as Thanksgiving nears. The father, Ben, embarks on an affair seeking excitement beyond his routine, while his adolescent daughter, Wendy, explores her own burgeoning sexuality and navigates a complex world of secrets and experimentation. The unraveling exposes the underlying tensions and dissatisfaction within the family and the community.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Ice Storm yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Ice Storm (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Ice Storm (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1973

The story takes place during the early 1970s, a time marked by cultural upheaval and shifting social norms in America. This era saw the rise of individualism, increasing awareness of personal freedoms, and the questioning of traditional family values. The film captures the essence of this transitional period, reflecting the characters' struggles with relationships and identity.

Location

Connecticut suburb

The movie is set in an affluent suburb of Connecticut, characterized by its picturesque homes and a close-knit community. Known for its tranquility, this suburb becomes a backdrop for the unraveling of family dynamics and personal secrets during a tense Thanksgiving weekend. The suburban setting highlights themes of appearance versus reality, as the seemingly perfect lives of the characters unravel amidst their tumultuous relationships.

🏡 Suburb 🌨️ Winter 🎉 Party

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Main Characters – The Ice Storm (1997)

Meet the key characters of The Ice Storm (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ben Hood (Kevin Kline)

Ben Hood is a restless husband and father battling feelings of entrapment in his marriage and career. His search for solace leads him into an affair, unveiling his vulnerabilities and deeper dissatisfaction. Throughout the film, Ben's conflicted emotions and reckless choices drive the narrative's tension and ultimately his redemption during moments of grief.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family 💼 Career 💔 Betrayal

Elena Hood (Joan Allen)

Elena Hood is a complex character yearning for excitement and fulfillment in her life. Her journey through the weekend reveals her own struggles with identity and desire as she grapples with her husband's infidelity. As the film progresses, Elena's confrontations and realizations add depth to her character, showcasing her strength and vulnerability.

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family 💭 Yearning 💔 Betrayal

Wendy Hood

Wendy Hood is the rebellious daughter of the Hood family, searching for her own identity while flirting with dangerously alluring relationships. Her experiences during the Thanksgiving weekend lead to unforeseen consequences, as her choices intertwine with the adults' turmoil. Wendy's character embodies the youthful quest for connection amidst the chaos.

👧 Youth 💕 Exploration 🌪️ Chaos

Mikey Carver

Mikey Carver is a withdrawn character who contrasts sharply with the more reckless behavior of his brother Sandy. His peculiarity raises concerns among the adults, highlighting the complexities of adolescent struggles. Mikey's tragic fate becomes a catalyst for the families to confront their shared grief and unresolved issues.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendship 😢 Tragedy 🌀 Isolation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Major Themes – The Ice Storm (1997)

Explore the central themes of The Ice Storm (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Infidelity

Infidelity plays a central role in the film, represented by Ben's affair with Janey and the resulting emotional fallout. The theme examines the effects of betrayal on family relationships and individual identities. As characters pursue fleeting passions, the consequences reveal deep-seated insecurities and desires, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes.

🌪️ Chaos

Chaos is encapsulated by both the external winter storm and the internal storms of the characters' lives. The physical storm parallels the emotional upheaval experienced during the Thanksgiving party, where hidden tensions burst forth in unexpected ways. This theme illustrates how external circumstances can amplify personal strife, culminating in pivotal moments of confrontation and loss.

🪞 Reality vs. Perception

The theme of reality versus perception is prevalent as characters navigate their desires and the facades they present to the world. The film explores the gap between how families project their lives and the truth lurking beneath the surface. It challenges viewers to consider the authenticity of relationships and the impact of societal expectations on personal choices.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Unlock the Full Story of The Ice Storm

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Ice Storm 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 The Ice Storm is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Ice Storm Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Ice Storm, 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 Storm Summary

The Ice Storm Timeline

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

The Ice Storm Timeline

More About The Ice Storm

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Ice Storm: 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 The Ice Storm

Similar Movies to The Ice Storm

Discover movies like The Ice Storm that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.