Watch Skating to New York

Skating to New York is a poignant coming-of-age drama that tells the story of five teenage boys, who set out on a treacherous 300-mile skate across the frozen St. Lawrence River, from their hometown in Canada to New York City. The movie is directed by Charles Minsky and stars Connor Jessup, Wesley Morgan, and Gage Munroe in the lead roles.

The movie portrays the characters' indispensable bond of brotherhood and their simultaneous individual struggles as they confront the harsh truths of life. Each character is unique and different from the other, but they all share the same dream of skating across the vast expanse of frozen water. They are determined to prove themselves and to prove their worth as athletes and as young men.

The film takes place in the small Canadian town of New Auburn, which is settled on the rugged coastline of the St. Lawrence River. The town is a desolate place, where nothing ever happens, and there is a sense of stagnancy around it. The story begins when the local ice rink is closed due to lack of funding, leaving the boys with no place to practice. They decide to embark on a mission to skate across the frozen St. Lawrence River to New York City, which is a daunting task that has never been accomplished before.

The boys' journey is fraught with challenges, including the treacherous weather, the thin, fragile ice, and the psychological toll of an enterprise, which they don't fully understand. The journey tests their courage, resilience, and determination, but it also uncovers their innermost fears and feelings. Each character comes face to face with his own demons, including family issues, sexual identity, love, and the harsh realities of growing up in a small town. Throughout the journey, the boys' emotions are intensely raw, and their struggles are palpable.

Connor Jessup plays the character of Alex, who is the de-facto leader of the pack. Alex is confident, charismatic, and the most talented skater among them. But he is also battling his sexuality, and he doesn't know how to deal with it. This inner turmoil exposes his vulnerability and his fear of not being accepted by his family and friends.

Wesley Morgan plays the character of Sam, who is the most reserved of the group. He is the one with the most personality baggage, with a father who has abandoned the family and a mother who is distant and cold. Sam finds it tough to trust and open up to people. However, during the journey, he develops a romantic relationship with a girl he meets along the way, which helps him to overcome his trust issues.

Gage Munroe plays the character of Bobby, who is the youngest among the group. He is ambitious, curious, and wants to prove his worth to the rest of the group. Bobby has an identity crisis due to his mixed-race heritage, and he doesn't know where he belongs. During the journey, he forms a bond with an older Black man who helps him to confront his fears and accept his identity.

The movie's cinematography is awe-inspiring, with stunning shots of the frozen river that capture the vastness and emptiness of the landscape. The film's score complements the movie's tone and pacing, with haunting melodies that highlight the characters' vulnerability and anxiety.

In conclusion, Skating to New York is a beautiful and inspiring movie that captures the complexities of adolescence and the transformational power of a shared goal. The boys' journey is a metaphor for life, where the destination is not as important as the journey itself. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves coming-of-age movies or dramas that explore the human psyche.

Skating to New York is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.