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The Ice Harvest

The Ice Harvest

Thick Thieves. Thin Ice.

200592 minRMidcredits score: 49th percentile of all films
Director
Harold Ramis
Starring
John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Connie Nielsen, Randy Quaid

A shady lawyer attempts a Christmas Eve crime, hoping to swindle the local mob out of some money. But his partner, a strip club owner, might have different plans for the cash.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Ice Harvest?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Ice Harvest to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Ice Harvest?

The Ice Harvest earns 9 badges, led by Heavy for an R-rated film and Box Office Flop.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is The Ice Harvest worth watching?

The Ice Harvest's Midcredits score is the 49th percentile of all films, from 36K ratings across 6 sources. 46% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

49th percentile

Better received than 49% of films

55th percentile among Comedy47th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)51st
Approval (how many liked it)46th

62 /100

51st percentile of all films

58th percentile among Comedy50th percentile among 2000s

Critics 62 · Audience 62

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

46% liked it

46th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Comedy44th percentile among 2000s
46% rated it 7–1054% rated it 1–6

Critics 47% · Audience 43%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

91st percentile

36K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Comedy85th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$16M
Opening weekend$3.7M
Domestic gross$9M
Worldwide gross$10M

Returned 0.6× its budget — 73rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A dark Christmas Eve heist comedy with strong performances from Cusack and Thornton, but undermined by an underdeveloped plot.

Fans praised

  • John Cusack's low-key noir presence
  • Oliver Platt's scene-stealing drunk comedy
  • sardonic dialogue and low-key style

Detractors panned

  • no credibility to the heist plot
  • never explains how the crime was committed
  • comedic elements fail to land in a satisfying way

What stands out

Acting70

Cusack and Thornton are praised, Platt is divisive

Dialogue70

Sardonic one-liners praised by both camps

CharactersDivisive60

Memorable but some find them underwritten

HumorDivisive55

Platt's antics amuse, but not always funny

Plot and storyDivisive40

Simple heist lacks credibility and detail

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 18 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Ice Harvest like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark comedy: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to laugh at things you probably shouldn't.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Dark comedy.

Moods
TenseAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
The answer rests on this: Register
Sardonic · 1% of films: Mocking with a bitter edge.Satirical · 5% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its noir conventions straight but undercuts them with sardonic wit and absurd violence, creating a darkly ironic stance.
The rideThe film maintains a jittery, dangerous feel through most of its runtime, with brief absurd comic beats, culminating in a bloody final act.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological order over about 12 hours on Christmas Eve.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's darkly comic tragedy leaves an uneasy sense that no one is redeemed, though Charlie's escape offers a thin silver lining.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeCharlie Arglist and Vic Cavanaugh steal from mob boss Bill Guerrard and spend the night trying to escape his retribution; the central conflict is survival against the tyrant's forces.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 7% of filmsDeception · 9% of filmsSurvival
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film tracks Charlie's desperate attempt to seize a new life through crime, but his ambition is constantly undercut by the lies and betrayals around him.
StanceThe film mockingly portrays Charlie's ambition as futile and self-destructive, undercutting every hopeful move with irony and betrayal.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score · David Kitay
SettingWichita, Kansas on a snowy Christmas Eve
MusicA moody, noir-tinged score that underscores the film's ironic tension.

Content guide

Is The Ice Harvest okay for kids?

R

The Ice Harvest is rated R: “Rated R for violence, language and sexuality/nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (90/100), sexual content at intense (72/100), language at severe (90/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (81/100) and frightening material at intense (79/100). Overall it is heavier than 97% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • France10
  • JapanR18+
  • Greece16
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands18
Overall
Severe · all five categories
Heavier than 98% of all filmsHeavier than 97% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 84%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 93%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, drug and alcohol content, frightening material, and sexual content.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Ice Harvest have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Ice Harvest?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

John Cusack
as Charlie Arglist
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Billy Bob Thornton
as Vic Cavanaugh
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Connie Nielsen
as Renata Crest
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Randy Quaid
as Bill Guerrard
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Oliver Platt
as Pete Van Heuten
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Mike Starr
as Roy Gelles
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ned Bellamy
as Sidney
T.J. Jagodowski
as Officer Tyler
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
David Pasquesi
as Councilman Williams
Lara Phillips
as Rusti
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Ice Harvest?

Movies like The Ice Harvest include War on Everyone (2016), True Romance (1993) and The Departed (2006). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories about partners in crime, and half are heist films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its world: the criminal underworld. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Ice Harvest?

1.1K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: lawyer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.