Movie Review: Frozen River

Danger looms large in this tale of a down on her luck mother doing whatever she can to tend to her two young boys.

Life is tough for Ray Eddy. Bad news multiplies for this hard-working mom who has to come to terms with a husband whose taken off. Stories like this are a dime a dozen but the squeeze is put on this working class woman big time. Luck just hasn’t gone her way which parallels perfectly the trials and tribulations of another sad story.

Aborginal people have had to struggle for everything they get. Out on the Mohawk reserve lives Lila, a plump if not pleasing native woman who gets by through various forms of subterfuge. Quick fixes are what keeps some people on the skids above water and Lila is involved in the smuggling trade.

Petty crimes here petty crimes there sees these two moms meet under rather bizarre circumstances. Those in need of quick cash often turn to illicit means and both Lila and Ray wind up way over their heads when they from a tag team duo of smugglers.

Intense performances spark this highly suspenseful tale. Mothers everywhere will be able to relate to the plight of poor Ray, brilliantly brought to the screen by Melissa Leo (21 Grams) in an Oscar quality performance. High praise also must go to Misty Upham whose work as Lila is equally riveting.

First time director/writer Courtney Hunt makes a stunning debut in this 97 minute drama that hones in on the poverty and desperation of those on the reserve and those white people looking to get by, not just get ahead.

Real drama bursts forth here and thanks to a level pacing you just don’t know whether the pair will get caught or not. Here you can cut the tension with a knife.