Frozen Ground

 The Frozen Ground is a 2013 crime thriller based on the chilling true story of Robert Hansen, an Alaskan serial killer known as the "Butcher Baker."

The film has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, trending on streaming platforms like Tubi as of early 2026.

Plot Overview

Set in the 1980s, the story follows Alaska State Trooper Jack Halcombe (based on real-life trooper Glenn Flothe) as he investigates a series of murders involving young women. His primary lead is Cindy Paulson, a 17-year-old who managed to escape Hansen's clutches. Despite skepticism from the local police department, Halcombe works with Paulson to bring the killer to justice.

Cast and Key Roles

The film features an unexpectedly "star-studded" cast for a gritty indie thriller:

| Actor | Role | Description |

|---|---|---|

| Nicolas Cage | Sgt. Jack Halcombe | The dedicated investigator. |

| John Cusack | Robert Hansen | The unassuming baker who was secretly a predator. |

| Vanessa Hudgens | Cindy Paulson | The survivor whose testimony is vital to the case. |

| Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson | Clate Johnson | A local pimp (also served as a producer). |

| Dean Norris | Sgt. Lyle Haugsven | A fellow trooper (known for Breaking Bad). |

The True Story Behind the Film

The movie stays relatively faithful to the horrifying reality of Robert Hansen's crimes:

 * The M.O.: Hansen would kidnap women, fly them to the remote Alaskan bush in his private plane, and release them so he could hunt them like game with a rifle.

 * The Victim Count: He was ultimately convicted of four murders but confessed to killing at least 17 women and kidnapping/raping many more.

 * The Arrest: Like in the film, the real Cindy Paulson's escape and detailed description of his plane and home were the keys to obtaining a search warrant that finally exposed his "trophy" collection.

Critical Reception

While it was a box office disappointment upon release, it has since gained a "cult" reputation for the strong, restrained performances by Cage and Cusack. It currently holds a 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its atmospheric, bleak portrayal of the Alaskan winter.

> Note: If you are seeing rumors about a "Frozen (2026)" movie, those likely refer to fan-made concept trailers for a live-action version of the Disney animated film Frozen, which is entirely unrelated to this crime thriller.

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