Frozen River (2008)

In the frostbitten border town of Massena, New York, Ray Eddy, a struggling mother of two, is tethered to life's harsh realities. Her mobile home is on the brink of being repossessed, her gambling-addict husband has abandoned the family, and her meager wages as a part-time clerk can barely put food on the table. As Christmas approaches, an encounter with Lila Littlewolf, a Mohawk widow fighting her own financial battles, presents an icy escape from their hardship. Despite their initial hostility, the two women find themselves forging an unlikely alliance, descending into the dangerous world of smuggling illegal immigrants from Canada to the U.S. Their perilous journey takes them across the frozen St. Lawrence River, threading through the Mohawk Reservation that straddles the border. Lila, with her intimate knowledge of the smuggling process and contacts, and Ray, with her Caucasian appearance lending a veneer of legitimacy, become entangled in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with a vigilant New York State Trooper. What begins as a desperate bid for financial salvation evolves into a poignant exploration of the human stories they encounter along their illicit path. The pressures of their circumstance and their encounter with the individuals they smuggle, prompt Ray and Lila to take even greater risks, accelerating their pursuit towards their goals. Meanwhile, Ray's teenage son, T.J., oblivious to his mother's dangerous double life, grapples with his premature role as the man of the house. He's left to care for his younger brother Ricky and deal with the financial pressures, all while navigating the daily challenges of living in their dilapidated mobile home. Frozen River paints a stark yet compelling picture of two women's audacious struggle for survival in a world that seems determined to freeze them out. Their story is a testament to the lengths one will go for their family, and the unexpected alliances that can form in the face of adversity.

Frozen River is a drama movie featuring Melissa Leo.

Frozen River is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Hulu.

It is also possible to buy Frozen River on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.