7.3
Where can I stream The Ice Storm legally?
You can 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.
The Ice Storm
1997·Movie
The Ice Storm fingerprint
Strong craft.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline3
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Melancholic and nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy8
- Nostalgia8
Humor
Some cringe comedy and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor5
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
Family, history, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Ice Storm is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic, nostalgic, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome cringe comedy and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some cringe comedy and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumFamily, history, and the mind
Its world is built around family, history, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
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.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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You want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
It was 1973, and the climate was changing.
In the weekend after thanksgiving 1973 the Hood family is skidding out of control. Then an ice storm hits, the worst in a century.
Dysfunctional FamiliesSuburban Disillusionment70s Social ClimateSlow-Burn DramaEmotional ComplexityCynical HumorMarital DiscordComing-of-Age DiscomfortBleak 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 The Ice Storm
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ice Storm worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 72). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ice Storm rated?
RSexual contentStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How long is The Ice Storm?
1 h 53 min
The Ice Storm runs 1 h 53 min.
Is The Ice Storm based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Ice Storm?
Critics79
Audiences77
Yes. Critics average 79 and audiences 77 out of 100, so both groups see The Ice Storm much the same way.
Was The Ice Storm a box office hit?
Budget$18 million
Box office$16 million
No. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $16 million worldwide, 89% of its budget.
What language is The Ice Storm in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in France, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Ice Storm?
23
+9
+9GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Ice Storm in 23 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Ice Storm use?
The Film of the BookAffectionate NicknameRed Riding Hood ReplicaDeath by Newbery MedalHormone-Addled TeenagerWho Names Their Kid "Dude"?Artistic LicenseInterrupted IntimacyEnsemble CastThe '70sSymbolic Glass HousePhoneaholic Teenagerand 32 more
TV Tropes lists 44 storytelling tropes for The Ice Storm, including The Film of the Book, Affectionate Nickname, Red Riding Hood Replica.