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Teen Orphan's Journey in 'The Ice Tower' Explores Cinema's Allure

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lucile Hadžihalilovic's The Ice Tower follows Jeanne, a teenage orphan who stows away on a film production of a Hans Christian Andersen tale.
The film offers a cautionary tale about desire and the lure of cinema through Jeanne's fascination with the Snow Queen.
The Snow Queen, played by Marion Cotillard, inspires Jeanne to seek a mother figure in Cristina and suggests the monster lies in filmmaking.

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Story summary

Lucile Hadžihalilovic's The Ice Tower follows Jeanne, a teenage orphan who stows away on a film production of a Hans Christian Andersen tale.
The film offers a cautionary tale about desire and the lure of cinema through Jeanne's fascination with the Snow Queen.
The Snow Queen, played by Marion Cotillard, inspires Jeanne to seek a mother figure in Cristina and suggests the monster lies in filmmaking.