Some historical novels don’t just tell the past, they pull you into it. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon does exactly that, blending real history with gripping mystery and emotional depth.
Since its release, the novel has steadily gained attention for its immersive storytelling and its focus on a remarkable woman whose voice history nearly forgot.
Now, that story is officially on its way to the screen. Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River movie has been officially announced!
Published in 2023, The Frozen River is inspired by the real diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife living in colonial Maine. The novel transforms historical records into a tense, atmospheric mystery while remaining grounded in domestic life, community politics, and the fragile power women held in male-dominated societies.
The news that The Frozen River is being adapted for the screen feels like a natural next step. Its wintry setting, layered moral questions, and strong central figure make it exceptionally well-suited to a film adaptation.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s known so far about the adaptation, how the story may translate to the screen, when audiences might expect it, and whether reading the book first is worth your time.
What Will be the Plot of The Frozen River Movie?
Set in late-1700s Maine, The Frozen River follows Martha Ballard, a respected midwife whose daily journal records births, deaths, and community secrets.
When a man is found dead beneath the ice of the Kennebec River, Martha’s careful observations place her at the center of a murder investigation—one that powerful men would rather keep quiet.
As Martha continues her work, she uncovers contradictions between official accounts and the truth she witnesses firsthand.
For the screen, the adaptation has the potential to emphasize atmosphere: frozen landscapes, candlelit interiors, courtroom tension, and the quiet authority Martha commands within her community. It’s a story driven less by spectacle and more by moral stakes, restraint, and persistence.
If you haven’t yet read the book, check out its official synopsis to know what to expect from the upcoming adaptation:
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community.
Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon becomes the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Casting and Production Updates:
As of the most recent announcements, Maven Screen Media, the production company co-founded by Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray, has optioned the film rights to Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River.
This officially places the project in development, though it is still in the early stages.
At this time, no director, screenwriter, cast members, or distribution platform have been publicly announced.
Optioning the rights means the production company has secured the opportunity to develop the project, but further announcements will depend on script development, financing, and studio involvement.
Ariel Lawhon has shared enthusiasm about the adaptation process, but has not confirmed whether she will be directly involved beyond consultation.
The Frozen River Movie Release Date:
There is no official release date yet for the movie adaptation of The Frozen River. Since the project is currently in development following the optioning of rights, it may be several years before filming begins.
A realistic expectation would place a potential release in 2027 or later, depending on how quickly the project moves forward.
More Book Adaptations: