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.

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Timeline – The Ice Storm (1997)

Trace every key event in The Ice Storm (1997) 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

The Hood Family Introduction

In 1973, we meet the Hood family consisting of Ben, Elena, and their children, Paul and Wendy, living in an affluent Connecticut suburb. The family's daily life reveals an undercurrent of dissatisfaction and routine that sets the stage for the upcoming events.

1973 Connecticut suburb
2

Ben's Affair Begins

Feeling trapped in his marriage and career, Ben seeks emotional escape through an affair with Janey Carver, the wife of their neighbor Jim. This infidelity creates a web of deceit that will unravel over the course of the Thanksgiving weekend.

3

Elena's Restlessness

Elena, likewise restless in her life, starts to contemplate ways to reignite the spark in her own existence. Despite her desires, she remains unsure about how to navigate her feelings and the state of her marriage.

4

Wendy's Flirtations

Wendy Hood finds herself getting caught up in flirtatious encounters with the Carver boys. This innocent playfulness may have deeper implications, hinting at the emotional turmoil brewing among the families.

5

Paul's Infatuation

Meanwhile, Paul develops a crush on his classmate, Libbets Casey, during his time at boarding school. His infatuation leads to romantic aspirations, setting him on a collision course with the unfolding family dynamics.

6

Tension with the Carvers

Ben starts noticing odd behavior from Mikey Carver, creating an unsettling atmosphere. In contrast, his younger brother Sandy engages in reckless fun, highlighting the differing dynamics within the Carver family.

7

Thanksgiving Confrontation

As tensions mount, Ben confronts Janey after she neglects their plans. This confrontation marks a pivotal moment that forces Ben to confront his choices and the consequences of his actions.

8

Key Party in the Neighborhood

Despite personal rifts, the Hoods attend a neighborhood party that unexpectedly transitions into a 'key party.' Couples draw keys to swap partners, an event that thrusts everyone into emotional chaos and showcases the fragility of their relationships.

Thanksgiving weekend Neighborhood party
9

Ben's Downward Spiral

Ben's excessive drinking at the party intensifies his feelings of discomfort. His agitation reaches a peak when Janey draws the keys of a younger man, prompting him to retreat in shame and further complicating the night.

Thanksgiving weekend Neighborhood party
10

Stormy Night Chaos

As the party progresses, an intense winter storm sets in, mirroring the emotional turmoil unfolding inside. This chaotic weather adds urgency and danger to the night’s already fraught atmosphere.

Thanksgiving weekend Connecticut
11

Jim and Elena's Regret

While couples pair off for the key party, only Jim and Elena remain. Their brief encounter leads to regret, revealing the complexity of their uncharacteristic connection amidst the heightened emotions of the night.

Thanksgiving weekend Jim's car
12

Wendy's Unintended Intimacy

During a separate encounter, Wendy tries to meet Mikey but finds herself with Sandy instead. Their unexpected closeness leads to an intimate moment that complicates their feelings and the family dynamics further.

13

Paul's Disappointment

Paul's evening takes a turn for the worse when he encounters Libbets at her Manhattan apartment, only to discover another guest, Francis. This unexpected hurdle deepens his emotional disappointment, forcing him to reevaluate his romantic aspirations.

Manhattan
14

Mikey's Tragic Accident

In the chaos of the storm, tragedy strikes when Mikey Carver dies after an accident involving a fallen tree. This devastating event serves as a wake-up call for both families, forcing them to confront their unspoken issues.

Thanksgiving weekend Connecticut
15

Aftermath and Reflection

As dawn breaks, Elena discovers Wendy in bed with Sandy, leading to a poignant confrontation about reality. The loss forces the families to confront their emotions and the consequences of their weekend choices, culminating in a moment of shared sorrow.

Dawn after Thanksgiving weekend

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:48

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The Ice Storm Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ice Storm

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