In The Ice Tower, director Lucile Hadžihalilović crafts a chilling and hypnotic adaptation inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. Marion Cotillard stars as Cristina Van Der Berg, an icy and distant film diva whose allure captivates a young runaway named Jeanne.
Jeanne, played by Clara Pacini, escapes her foster home in the Alps and finds refuge in a movie studio basement. Drawn to the magic of filmmaking like a moth to a flame, she watches the production unfold, enchanted by the glamorous Cristina. The film within the film is none other than The Snow Queen, mirroring Jeanne’s journey into a world of enchantment and danger.
As their relationship unfolds, the film explores themes of celebrity, power, and the intoxicating allure of cinema.
The supporting cast includes August Diehl as Max, Gaspar Noé as Dino, Marine Gesbert as Stéphanie, Lila-Rose Gilberti, Raphael Reboul as the second assistant director, Carmen Haidacher as the receptionist, and Wilhelm Bonnelle as the hotel porter.
Known for films like Innocence and Evolution, Hadžihalilović continues to examine themes of childhood and transformation. The Ice Tower blends striking visuals, detailed sets, and a subtle score to create a unique cinematic experience.
The Ice Tower premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2025, and will be released theatrically in France on September 17, 2025. Audiences can now look forward to this fresh take on a classic tale with a compelling cast and an intriguing storyline.
