7.1
Where can I stream Frozen River legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Frozen River fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Family Dynamics8
- Melancholy7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life, class and money, and family
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Frozen River is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, class and money, and family
Its world is built around everyday modern life, class and money, and family.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting mood
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Desperation Knows No Borders
A financially strapped mother joins a Mohawk woman to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States.
Crime DramaWorking-Class StruggleSocial RealismIndependent FilmCharacter-DrivenBorder SmugglingEconomic DesperationBleak Atmosphere
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Frozen River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Frozen River worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 82). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Frozen River rated?
RStrong languageDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and drug use.
How long is Frozen River?
1 h 37 min
Frozen River runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Frozen River?
Critics85
Audiences73
Not quite. Critics rate Frozen River higher (85) than audiences (73). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Frozen River a box office hit?
Budget$1 million
Box office$5 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $1 million to make and earned $5 million worldwide, 5.5 times its budget.
What language is Frozen River in?
EnglishFrenchUrduChinese
It was made in English, with some French, Urdu, Chinese. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Frozen River?
42
+28
+28GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Frozen River in 42 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Frozen River use?
Bittersweet EndingDanger — Thin IceThe Gambling AddictYou Can't Go Home AgainReckless Gun UsageOh, Crap!Taking the Heat
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Frozen River, including Bittersweet Ending, Danger — Thin Ice, The Gambling Addict.