When watching a Lucille Hadzihalilovic film, even when you have no idea what the story is, you can expect something very different each and every time. Though there are stories to play out, full of mystery and existential dread, the atmosphere is set, the tone is understated and you can bet there will be a memorable character and an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach. The Ice Tower, slightly different from Hadzihalilovic’s previous offerings, in that the setting feels more definitive. Starting in the mountains, then travelling to a city and finally a studio where a film is being made. But this is not a story about the film industry, this is about infatuation and desire.
Teenage orphan Jeanne decides to run away from the current home she is in. Ending up in a city she recognises from an old postcard, she takes refuge in a studio. A film adaptation of The Snow Queen is currently being shot, starring the enigmatic actress, Cristina. As Jeanne slowly becomes infatuated with Cristina, she finds her way to being part of the production. Cristina equally is fascinated by Jeanne, though her motives become more and more unclear as the film nears its end.
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