Melissa Leo steals the show in her Oscar nominated role,writes PIERCE HUNT

COURTNEY Hunt's directional debut Frozen River pulls at the heartstrings as two single mothers come together for the sake of their children. The unlikely union of Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo), a middle-aged woman hanging on to her dream of paying off her new trailer park home, and Lila Littlewolf (Misty Upham), a Mohawk forced to give up her son by her intrusive mother-inlaw, works superbly as the unfolding story is flawlessly played out in a harsh, unforgiving American/Canadian border town.

In the run-up to Christmas, desperation sets in for Ray. Her husband has disappeared with the deposit for their new home, leaving her and her two boys facing a bleak holiday season.

After discovering her car has been stolen, she spots a woman driving it and follows her to an Indian reservation. Soon Ray is near breaking point, brandishing a gun and firing it at a caravan where the unarmed occupant has the keys to her car.

Lila, the car thief, pleads ignorance but seems overly keen to buy the clapped out banger from Ray for an inflated sum.

The reasoning behind the car's desirability is that the boot is ideal for smuggling people. The trafficking of people between the Indian reservation in New York State and Quebec is lucrative and Ray, whose world is in financial turmoil, refuses the sale of the car but reluctantly agrees to help.

Both woman work menial jobs bringing home minimum wage and barely making ends meet.

Lila is determined to provide for her son, but the pain of not seeing him grow up is taking its toll on her.

Ray is taking a huge risk legally and physically crossing the frozen St Lawrence River. Driving across the vast waterway carries a very real danger of plunging to a sudden icy death, but this is the only way she can see herself escaping her money problems.

The duo's unconventional friendship stutters into gear after several trafficking expeditions and a close encounter with a state trooper. The human emotion is raw, and this is never more apparent than when they realise they've left a baby out in the elements in the middle of the Lawrence.

Melissa Leo commands your full attention as the unsung hero desperately trying to provide for her sons. Her Best Lead Actor Oscar nomination for her role as Ray Eddy may be the all important nod she needs for her career to progress after decades of hovering under the radar.

Genre: Crime/Drama Director: Courtney Hunt Cast: Melissa Leo, Misty Upham, Charlie McDermott, James Reilly, Michael O'Keefe, Mark Boone Junior

Did you know? Ray's on-screen sons are actually cousins in real life

Verdict: A story that grabs you from the beginning. A great film without all the added Hollywood extras.