The Ice Tower (2025) is a fantasy drama by Lucile Hadžihalilović, co-written with Geoff Cox. Set in the 1970s, it follows Jeanne, a runaway orphan who stumbles into a film studio shooting an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. There, she becomes captivated by Cristina (played by Marion Cotillard), and what begins as admiration slowly turns into obsession.
Synopsis
Escaping her foster home in a snow-covered mountain town, Jeanne (Clara Pacini) sneaks into a film set. Introduced as “Bianca,” she begins working as an extra. Soon, she crosses paths with Cristina, the magnetic lead actress. As their connection deepens, Jeanne’s life and the film’s storyline blur together in unsettling ways, forcing her to confront identity, desire, and illusion.
What Works Well
1. Visual Mastery: Cinematographer Jonathan Ricquebourg turns every frame into a dreamlike painting, full of reflective surfaces, mirrors, and icy palettes that reinforce the film’s surreal tone.
2. Outstanding Performances: Marion Cotillard delivers a hauntingly enigmatic presence, while Clara Pacini’s fragile yet resilient Jeanne grounds the dreamlike narrative with raw authenticity.
3. Symbolism & Themes: The film-within-a-film structure reflects on identity, obsession, and the masks people wear. Jeanne’s alias, “Bianca,” becomes a metaphor for escaping — or reinventing — oneself.
Weaknesses
- The pacing is deliberately slow, which may frustrate viewers seeking conventional storytelling.
- Its ambiguity leaves many questions unanswered, making it feel emotionally distant to some audiences.
- It leans more on atmosphere than plot, which may not appeal to mainstream tastes.
Final Thoughts
The Ice Tower is not a mainstream crowd-pleaser, but it excels as an art-house fairy tale. It is visually mesmerizing, thematically layered, and emotionally haunting for those willing to surrender to its dream logic. While it risks alienating impatient viewers, cinephiles who enjoy surreal allegories will find it deeply rewarding.
Rating: ⭐ 5.9/10