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What Breaks the Ice poster

What Breaks the Ice (2020)

Movie104mins

Where to watch What Breaks the Ice in Australia

Streaming availability data from JustWatch.

About What Breaks the Ice

A coming of age thriller about two 15-year-old girls, Sammy and Emily, who hark from different worlds but strike up a quick and deep friendship. But what should be the best summer of their lives takes an unexpected turn when they become accidental accomplices in a fatal crime.

Year
2020
Genres
Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Runtime
104mins
Director
Rebecca Eskreis

What Breaks the Ice trailer

What Breaks the Ice trailerPlay video: What Breaks the Ice trailer

What our critics think

Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.

Review Team

★★★★★4/5

What Breaks the Ice is an intriguing exploration of youth, friendship, and the unforeseen consequences of rash decisions. Directed by Rebecca Eskreis, the film delves into the lives of two 15-year-old girls, Sammy and Emily, who come from vastly different backgrounds but forge a deep bond over their summer. The narrative takes a dark turn as they unwittingly become part of a tragic event, forcing them to confront their values and the weight of their choices. The performances are commendable, particularly the chemistry between the leads, which captures the essence of teenage friendship beautifully. The film's tone expertly balances moments of levity with intense emotional depth, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. While it may not be universally appealing due to its mature themes, those who appreciate character-driven narratives will find it a rewarding watch.

Editor Team

★★★★★3/5

What Breaks the Ice attempts to blend coming-of-age drama with thriller elements, and while it has its moments, it ultimately feels uneven. The story revolves around two girls, Sammy and Emily, who bond over a summer that quickly spirals into chaos. The film starts strong, with a relatable exploration of teenage friendship, but the sudden shift to a darker narrative leaves a bit of a jarring effect. The performances are solid, but the pacing falters, making some scenes drag on longer than necessary. The moral dilemmas presented are thought-provoking, yet they sometimes come off as forced. If you're in the mood for something that combines youthful exuberance with a twist of tension, you might enjoy it, but be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

How viewers describe this

  • thought-provoking
  • emotional
  • intense
  • uneven
  • thrilling
  • relatable
  • dark
  • engaging
  • mature themes
  • character-driven
  • impactful
  • jarring

Streaming Charts

The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.

Got a question about What Breaks the Ice?

Is What Breaks the Ice worth watching?

What Breaks the Ice is certainly worth watching for those who appreciate coming-of-age stories with a thrilling twist. The film explores the complexities of friendship and the consequences of impulsive decisions, making it a thought-provoking experience.

What is What Breaks the Ice really about?

What Breaks the Ice is a coming-of-age thriller that centres on two 15-year-old girls, Sammy and Emily, who form an unlikely friendship over a summer. Their bond is tested when they become entangled in a fatal crime, leading to intense emotional and moral dilemmas.

Is What Breaks the Ice suitable for children?

What Breaks the Ice is not suitable for children due to its mature themes involving crime and the emotional complexities of teenage life. It is recommended for older teens and adults who can handle such content.

Where can I watch What Breaks the Ice in Australia?

In Australia, What Breaks the Ice is available for streaming on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video or local rental services for availability.

Is What Breaks the Ice scary?

What Breaks the Ice is not a horror film, but it contains tense and suspenseful moments that may be unsettling for some viewers. The thriller aspects arise from the emotional stakes and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

What happens at the end of What Breaks the Ice?

At the end of What Breaks the Ice, the consequences of the girls' actions culminate in a dramatic and emotional resolution. Spoiler alert: the film leaves viewers contemplating the impact of their choices and the fragility of friendship.

What films are similar to What Breaks the Ice?

If you enjoyed What Breaks the Ice, you might also like films such as The Edge of Seventeen, Lady Bird, or The Virgin Suicides. These films similarly explore themes of adolescence, friendship, and the darker sides of growing up.

Is there a sequel to What Breaks the Ice?

As of now, there is no sequel to What Breaks the Ice announced. The film stands alone, focusing on the unique story of its two main characters.