Review of Frozen River (2008) by Jen A — 20 Feb 2009

The story isn't adequately set up, which leads to a film that veers awkwardly between beautifully honest naturalism and something a lot more contrived and melodramatic. Leo is heartbreakingly, nakedly honest though, and she's what keeps the film grounded, even when some of the twists stretch credulity.

And the opening shots, along with the quiet, effective score, almost made me want to put a jacket on--the film is somehow *physically* cold. It's uneven, the film needed more time to tell its story adequately (a complaint I almost never, ever have these days), and the supporting performances are woefully mediocre).

But there's a sense of authenticity, urgency, and honesty to much of the film that makes many of its scenes and moments very, very effective.