Frozen River Poster

Frozen River 2008

★ 6.6349 votes97 min📅 2008-03-26

"Desperation Knows No Borders"

Courtney Hunt's gripping debut *Frozen River (2008)* plunges viewers into the harsh winter landscape of upstate New York, where two desperate women navigate moral ambiguity for survival.

Director: Courtney Hunt

Cast

Melissa Leo
Melissa Leo
Ray Eddy
Misty Upham
Misty Upham
Lila Littlewolf
Charlie McDermott
Charlie McDermott
TJ
John Canoe
Bernie Littlewolf
Jay Klaitz
Jay Klaitz
Guy Versailles
Dylan Carusona
Jimmy
James Reilly
Ricky
Michael O'Keefe
Michael O'Keefe
Trooper Finnerty
Mark Boone Junior
Mark Boone Junior
Jacques Bruno
Betty Ouyang
Betty Ouyang
Chinese woman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Frozen River (2008) about?

*Frozen River (2008)* follows Ray Eddy, a single mother on the brink of losing her home, who teams up with Lila, a Mohawk woman running an immigrant smuggling operation. Together, they brave dangerous border crossings in a desperate bid for cash, testing the limits of their resolve and morality.

Who directed Frozen River?

Courtney Hunt directed *Frozen River*, making her feature debut with this critically acclaimed drama that blends crime and intimate storytelling.

Who stars in Frozen River?

The film stars Melissa Leo and Misty Upham as Ray and Lila, alongside Charlie McDermott, John Canoe, and Jay Klaitz.

Is Frozen River (2008) worth watching?

With its gripping performances and layered storytelling, *Frozen River (2008)* is a standout indie drama that resonates with audiences who appreciate raw, character-driven tales. Though unrated, its emotional depth and social themes make it a compelling watch.

How long is Frozen River?

Frozen River has a runtime of 97 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Frozen River (2008) — A raw drama of survival and unlikely alliances

Courtney Hunt's gripping debut *Frozen River (2008)* plunges viewers into the harsh winter landscape of upstate New York, where two desperate women navigate moral ambiguity for survival. Ray Eddy, a working-class mother abandoned by her husband, faces foreclosure on her home and few options—until she crosses paths with Lila, a widowed Mohawk woman running a risky smuggling operation across the frozen St. Lawrence River. Their partnership exposes the raw edges of identity, desperation, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a world where borders mean little when the stakes are survival.

This haunting drama unfolds with a raw realism that lingers long after the credits roll, blending crime thrills with intimate character studies. Hunt crafts a story where every decision carries weight, set against a backdrop of biting cold and societal neglect. Melissa Leo and Misty Upham deliver powerhouse performances, anchoring the film's emotional core with grit and vulnerability.