Watch The Ice Storm

The Ice Storm is a drama film directed by Ang Lee and released in 1997. Set in the early 1970s, the movie explores the lives of two families living in the suburb of New Canaan, Connecticut, during Thanksgiving weekend. The film boasts an all-star cast, including Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Christina Ricci, Tobey Maguire, and Elijah Wood.

The Hoods are the central family of the film, and Ben Hood (Kline) is an upper-middle-class executive who is not happy with his status in life. He is often distant and uncommunicative with his wife Elena (Allen), who in turn tries to find solace in an extramarital affair with their neighbor Janey Carver (Weaver). The Carvers are a wealthy and dysfunctional family, with Janey's husband Jim (Jamey Sheridan) suffering from a midlife crisis and their daughter Wendy (Ricci) experimenting with drugs and sexuality.

The film takes place over the course of a weekend, during which the families explore their own desires and motivations. The storm of the title serves as a metaphor for the sexual tension and repressed emotions simmering beneath the surface of both families. As the storm grows stronger, so do the characters' inhibitions and self-destructive tendencies.

The Ice Storm is a slow-burning drama that deftly explores the themes of family, sexuality, and suburban ennui. The film's attention to detail and set design convincingly transports audiences back to the 1970s. The wardrobe and hairstyles fit the era, providing a nostalgic yet gritty feel to the film. But beneath the surface of the visual nostalgia is a potent exploration of the human condition.

At the core of The Ice Storm are the characters, and the acting in this movie is nothing short of brilliant. Kline's portrayal of Ben Hood, the emotionally distant father, is spot-on, and his complex performance stays with audiences long after the film ends. Allen, as Elena Hood, beautifully captures the character's desperation and loneliness, and her chemistry with Kline is palpable.

Weaver's role as the seductive Janey is scene-stealing, and Ricci gives a mesmerizing performance as Wendy Carver, the teenage girl struggling to find herself in a world of adult desires. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Elijah Wood and Tobey Maguire providing tender performances as two young boys trying to navigate the adult world.

The Ice Storm is not a movie for everyone; it is a slow burn that requires patience and focus to truly appreciate. However, for those willing to invest the time and emotional energy, the payoff is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of human relationships and the human experience. The film is not just about the 1970s; it is a timeless exploration of what it means to be human, and how we struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that sometimes seems indifferent to our desires.

Ultimately, The Ice Storm is a powerful and unforgettable film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It's a testament to Ang Lee's skill as a director, and the phenomenal cast's ability to bring nuanced and impactful performances to the screen. This is a movie that demands to be seen, and that rewards careful viewing with deep and lasting insights.

The Ice Storm is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 72.