Is A Splinter of Ice Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, A Splinter of Ice is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Splinter of Ice Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, A Splinter of Ice emerges as a significant entry in the Cinema domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Moscow, 1987. Unlike standard genre fare, A Splinter of Ice attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Alan Strachan, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Film elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Film is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Splinter of Ice features a noteworthy lineup led by Oliver Ford Davies. Supported by the likes of Stephen Boxer and Sara Crowe, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Oliver Ford Davies, Stephen Boxer, Sara Crowe manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2021 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Cinema space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, A Splinter of Ice is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of A Splinter of Ice follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 88 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, A Splinter of Ice resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Film landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, A Splinter of Ice is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Moscow, 1987. As the cold war begins to thaw, an extraordinary reunion takes place between one of the great novelists of the twentieth century,Graham Greene, and his old MI6 boss, the notorious Soviet spy, Kim Philby. It’s taken thirty years and the beginnings of a new world order. As the two men raise their vodka glasses under the watchful eye of Russian memoirist and Philby’s last wife, Rufa, Ben Brown’s compelling political drama asks whether Philby betrayed his friend as well as his country, and how much the writer of The Third Man knew about Philby’s secret life.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of A Splinter of Ice (2021) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Cinema categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Oliver Ford Davies, Stephen Boxer, Sara Crowe or the visual majesty of its technical execution, A Splinter of Ice is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2021. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
A Splinter of Ice has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, A Splinter of Ice stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Splinter of Ice movie hit or flop?
A Splinter of Ice is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is A Splinter of Ice worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, A Splinter of Ice may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch A Splinter of Ice online?
A Splinter of Ice may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Moscow, 1987. As the cold war begins to thaw, an extraordinary reunion takes place between one of the great novelists of the twentieth century,Graham Greene, and his old MI6 boss, the notorious Soviet spy, Kim Philby. It’s taken thirty years and the beginnings of a new world order. As the two men raise their vodka glasses under the watchful eye of Russian memoirist and Philby’s last wife, Rufa, Ben Brown’s compelling political drama asks whether Philby betrayed his friend as well as his country, and how much the writer of The Third Man knew about Philby’s secret life.