One of the many themes present in the film is that everyone is looking for freedom in their own way. Each character is written in such a way that through the arc of the film or the arrival of the ice storm, metaphorically speaking, they try to break free from whatever circumstances keep them confined. An important example that stands out to me is the Key party scene, this idea where you pledge your allegiance to one person but at this party you can break your commitments and it's acceptable because you and all your neighbors do it to be free for a bit'. Night. More subtle is Paul Hood's quest for freedom and how he is thrown into the shadow of his friend, who is stealing the girl Paul likes. Paul is trying to break free in the sense that he's trying to get Libbets to prove himself. Ultimately, each character attempts to bring meaning to their lives, each through further ways that are more destructive to the people around them, whether or not their goals are.