Tribeca 2022: Gender Identity and Austrian Hockey in 'Breaking the Ice'

By Abe Friedtanzer

Sports have historically created gendered environments defined by competition. As a result, they aren't always welcoming to those who don't fit fit neatly into the player mold. Clara Stern's Breaking the Ice is a fascinating exploration of what it means to be able to truly express yourself as the captain of a women's hockey team in Austria...

Mira (Alina Schaller) splits her time between playing hockey, which she loves, and working with her condescending mother on their family vineyard, which has only become more challenging since her grandfather's dementia has worsened. When a new player, Theresa (Judith Altenberger), joins the team and her brother Paul (Tobias Resch) returns home after a long absence, Mira finds herself suddenly exploring parts of herself that she would never let any of her other teammates see, and which she doesn't always acknowledge in private.

Breaking the Ice is set firmly within this hockey world, where fleeting comments about Theresa's sexuality are made when she arrives and immediately establish a culture of intolerance and a desire to maintain a certain public image.  Mira ascribes fully to that and treats Theresa harshly in public while more gradually opening up to her when they are alone or with Paul. It's a very compelling portrait of someone who isn't certain about her own gender identity. Mira has dealt with such overbearing influence and distractions that she hasn't taken the time to consider personal happiness.

Schaller delivers a mesmerizing performance as Mira, including an instantly classic lip-syncing scene that conveys a serious repression of her expressive side that comes marvelously alive in that moment. Altenberger and Resch make their characters interesting in their own right, even though this is ultimately Mira's story. Its setting may be specific but its themes are applicable to any country, workplace, or social setting. This film has the added benefit of including some exciting hockey scenes (for anyone craving some serious sports) and showing that there is a place for this kind of story in any context. B+

Breaking the Ice is screening in the Viewpoints section at the 2022 Tribeca Festival.