What Breaks the Ice
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 1, 2021
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Madelyn Cline as Emily
- Sofia Hublitz as Sammy
- Lukas Gage as Seth
- Joel Allen as Travis
- Shakira Barrera as Debbie
- Erik Jensen as Hank
Director
Rebecca Eskreis
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Keeping Hours (2017, producer)
- Not Waving But Drowning (2012, co-producer)
Producer
Damon Lane, Michael Cuomo, Rebecca Eskreis
Writer
Rebecca Eskreis
Budget
$1 million (estimated)
Production Company
Nite Owl Productions, Big Cat Productions
Running Time
80 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Violence
- Strong language
- Underage drinking
- Themes of friendship and betrayal
Movie Story
“What Breaks the Ice” is a coming-of-age drama-thriller that explores the complexities of teenage friendship, identity, and the consequences of a single, life-altering event. Set in the summer of 1998, the film follows two teenage girls, Emily (Madelyn Cline) and Sammy (Sofia Hublitz), who come from vastly different backgrounds but form an intense bond over the course of the summer.
Emily, the daughter of a single, struggling mother, is eager to escape her small town life and experience something new. Sammy, on the other hand, is a confident and free-spirited girl from a wealthy family, spending the summer in a picturesque lakeside town. The two meet and quickly become inseparable, sharing adventures and secrets as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. Their friendship is intense and carefree, marked by late-night parties, joyrides, and first loves.
However, the idyllic summer takes a dark turn when the girls become involved in a violent incident that changes everything. What starts as a story of summer fun and self-discovery spirals into a gripping tale of guilt, fear, and the unraveling of a friendship. As the girls struggle to keep their secret and deal with the fallout, the film delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the loss of innocence.
The narrative is driven by strong performances from Madelyn Cline and Sofia Hublitz, who bring depth and authenticity to their roles. The film captures the emotional intensity of teenage friendships and the profound impact that a single moment can have on the course of one’s life.
Special Effects
“What Breaks the Ice” relies more on its storytelling and character development than on special effects. The film’s visual style is naturalistic, capturing the beauty of the summer setting and the tension that builds as the story unfolds. The use of practical effects and cinematography helps create a sense of realism, drawing the audience into the emotional world of the characters.
Box Office Performance
“What Breaks the Ice” had a limited release and was primarily distributed through digital and on-demand platforms. While it did not achieve significant box office success, it garnered attention for its strong performances and poignant story, resonating with audiences interested in character-driven dramas and coming-of-age tales.
Filming Locations
- New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Sometimes the people closest to you are the ones you can trust the least.” – Emily
- “One moment can change everything, and there’s no going back.” – Sammy
Behind-the-Scenes
- Director Rebecca Eskreis drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in the 90s, infusing the film with a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.
- Madelyn Cline and Sofia Hublitz developed a close friendship off-screen, which contributed to the chemistry and realism of their on-screen relationship.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“What Breaks the Ice” is a gripping and emotional drama that captures the intensity of teenage friendships and the devastating impact of a single event. The film’s strong performances and compelling narrative make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate character-driven stories and the exploration of complex themes will find “What Breaks the Ice” to be a powerful and resonant film.
IMDb Rating
5.5/10