The Ice Storm is a 1997 film directed by Ang Lee, based on the novel of the same name by Rick Moody. The film is primarily set in the affluent suburbs of New Canaan, Connecticut, in the early 1970s, during a time of social and political upheaval.
The Hood family, consisting of Ben and his wife Elena, along with their teenage children Wendy and Paul, are struggling with various personal issues. Ben is having an affair with his neighbor Janey, while Elena is struggling with her own sense of identity and desires. Wendy and Paul are both experimenting with drugs and exploring their sexual curiosity with each other and their friends.
As a severe ice storm descends upon the area, the family's relationships and secrets are further exposed. The storm serves as a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval within the family and the larger society.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, and Elijah Wood, The Ice Storm is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, sexuality, and the American Dream.