La Tour de Glace is one of those films that moves slowly but pulls you in without you realising it. Marion Cotillard plays Cristina, an actress filming a Snow Queen movie in the 1970s, and she’s brilliant — cold, poised, and quietly unravelling beneath the surface. There’s something about the way she moves and speaks that makes every scene feel slightly uneasy, like there’s more going on behind her eyes than we’re allowed to see.
Opposite her is newcomer Clara Pacini as Jeanne, a runaway who becomes fascinated by Cristina and the surreal film set she stumbles onto. Pacini is outstanding — vulnerable but quietly defiant — and she brings a natural energy that contrasts perfectly with Cotillard’s control. Watching the two of them together is easily the highlight of the film. Their dynamic feels like a power struggle wrapped in admiration, obsession, and something almost maternal.
Visually, it’s stunning — cold light, foggy sets, and beautifully composed shots that feel frozen in time. It’s not a film that rushes to tell a story; it just lets you sit in the mood. But at just over two hours, it can drag a little. Some scenes go on longer than they need to — good for tone, not so much for pacing — and that slightly breaks the emotional flow.
Still, La Tour de Glace lingers long after it’s done. Cotillard reminds you why she’s one of the best working today — she doesn’t need to say much to completely hold a scene — and Pacini feels like someone we’ll be seeing a lot more of. It’s haunting, imperfect, but quietly powerful.
Verdict: A slow, visually hypnotic drama elevated by two brilliant performances. Cotillard is ice; Pacini is the spark.
