The Ice Tower — Fantastic Fest Review
Source: Metropolitan Filmexport
It’s fitting that a movie titled The Ice Tower moves at such a glacial pace. That’s not necessarily a flaw, but it will likely test the patience of many moviegoers. Marion Cotillard is a commanding presence in Lucile Hadžihalilović’s film. However, the film itself doesn’t do enough to fully command the viewer’s attention. There’s a deliberate sense of detachment woven into the film’s structure, and while intentional, it can leave viewers feeling left out in the cold, wandering adrift in the snowy, isolating atmosphere.
Jonathan Ricquebourg’s cinematography is undeniably gorgeous. His use of light and shadow evokes the feeling of stepping outside on a quiet, snowy night when everything is still and freshly fallen snow glistens against the darkness. Striking silhouettes create a mysterious ambiance that lingers throughout, while the haunting score enhances the film’s hypnotic quality. The sparse but effective sound design works in quiet harmony with the visuals, building a cold, dreamlike world.
Source: Metropolitan Filmexport
Newcomer Clara Pacini stars as Jeanne, a 16-year-old girl grieving the loss of her mother. Unwilling to stay at an orphanage, she runs away and finds herself in a film studio where Cristina, played by Marion Cotillard, is starring in an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Snow Queen. The dynamic between these two characters is fascinating and complex.
There’s a tension between them that’s difficult to pin down. It shifts from admiration to something maternal. At times, it feels ambiguous, even suggestive, but never quite crystallizes. That uncertainty and intrigue give the film some of its most compelling moments.
The story explores idolization and obsession, but it’s also a coming-of-age tale about grief, identity, and projection. It seems heavily influenced by The Spirit of the Beehive, with definite echoes of Mulholland Drive in its fractured sense of self and dreamlike atmosphere.
In the end, The Ice Tower offers dazzling visuals but feels more like a mood piece than a fully realized narrative. The atmosphere is carefully crafted, but the story never quite coalesces into something emotionally satisfying.
The Ice Tower screens at Fantastic Fest September 19-24, 2025.
