It’s seldom that audiences get an opportunity to see truly independent film in theaters.  Nowadays, the words “independent film” are often followed by “starring Jack Nicolson, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks and Britney Spears!”  There’s an absurdity to that claim that is both amusing and tragic.

So when a star-less indie like Frozen River makes it through the fray and onto screens - no name to grace its poster - there tends to be a reason.  In this case, that reason is “because it’s a damn good story, told with a rare humanity.”

First-time writer/director Courtney Hunt storms onto the scene with an engaging script and subtle, human direction.  Frozen River took the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance this year, and I’ll bet Courtney was so amazed she laughed herself to sleep for weeks afterward.

Sometimes the middle class takes its comfort for granted - gets so caught up in its own superiority - that its tendency to judge becomes an assumed right.  It’s hard to break through the thick plate glass of ignorance that separates judgement from empathy.  Frozen River shines light into the dark recesses and paints a simple portrait of extenuating circumstance.

All this woman wants is a new trailer, to keep the water from freezing in the pipes, and to keep her children warm through the Christmas holiday.  For all practical purposes, she’s a single parent - and would likely be better off if she were. 

The texture of the women in Frozen River is its most compelling point.  They love their children and are so selfless in their willingness to provide for them, but are at once frigid to strangers.  And actresses Melissa Leo and Misty Upham drive their characters home with hard exteriors and soft middles.  These are women of principle who have come up in the school of hard knocks.

A solid piece of writing and directing by a new filmmaker whose career I expect great things from.  Check it out.