Maven Screen Media Acquires Film Rights for the Beloved Historical-Mystery Novel ‘The Frozen River’
Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray’s Maven Screen Media Option Film Rights to “The Frozen River”
Maven Screen Media, led by Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray, has secured the film rights to Ariel Lawhon’s acclaimed historical-mystery novel, The Frozen River (2023).
Set in post-Revolutionary America, the narrative draws inspiration from the real-life diary of 18th-century midwife Martha Ballard. It follows a woman’s quest for justice that threatens to destabilize her community.
The synopsis of The Frozen River reveals that the story begins in 1789 Maine when a man is discovered frozen in the Kennebec River. Martha Ballard, a respected midwife and healer, is summoned to investigate the cause of death. Her detailed diary, chronicling births, deaths, and crimes, places her at the heart of a murder probe connected to a reported rape she documented earlier. As winter closes in and a trial looms, Martha’s steadfastness and resistance to patriarchal norms put her family, reputation, and safety on the line.
Since its release, the novel has gained significant traction, selling nearly two million copies in over 40 territories and maintaining a presence on The New York Times bestseller list for 29 weeks. It has also received numerous accolades, including selection as a GMA Book Club Pick, NPR Book of the Year, and People Magazine Book of the Week.
The film adaptation will feature Linda Rosensweig as an executive producer.
Maven Screen Media is recognized for projects such as Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor The Great, and Katie Holmes’ upcoming film, Happy Hours. Rattray oversees the company’s global output, with Anna Smith Tenser managing UK and European projects, and Jenny Halper directing the U.S. slate.
Reflecting on the adaptation, author Ariel Lawhon stated, “I have carried Martha Ballard’s story with me for the better part of my adult life. And though she has long been a personal inspiration, I could never have imagined what she would come to mean to so many others around the world. So, I’m delighted and honoured to partner with Maven Screen Media to bring her story to a new audience.”
Celine Rattray emphasized Maven’s mission, saying, “At Maven, we are committed to amplifying women’s voices and bringing their stories to the screen. Martha Ballard’s fight for truth and justice resonates powerfully today around the globe, and so we’re thrilled at the prospect of adapting this extraordinary novel into a cinematic experience that honours its historical setting, while speaking to the universal, timeless themes of resilience and integrity.”
