Longtime retired couple Stella and Gerry realise that their relationship has reached a crossroads while on holiday in Amsterdam. After so much time and so many memories, long-held promises and deeply concealed wounds threaten to come to light and force them to confront their future.
Critics' Reviews
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At first glance, “Midwinter Break,” the debut feature from British theater director Polly Findlay would appear to be the kind of film that most self-respecting film critic types would want to champion. For one thing, it is a project that is unapologetically aimed squarely at the kind of adult audience that is continually underserved these days. For another, it is a project based not on an earlier film, comic book, video game or some other form of flashy IP, but on an actual, honest-to-goodness novel, the 2017 book of the same name by Bernard MacLaverty, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Nick Payne. Finally, it serves as a vehicle to allow Lesley Manville and Ciaran Hinds, two of the finest actors you could hope to see these days, showing off their considerable talents by playing a long-married couple. On paper, this sounds like a potentially fascinating combination but the film emerging from it proves to be anything but that. Instead, it proves to be such an overly ponderous exercise that, by the time it finally comes to an end, you may feel so sapped of energy that find yourself struggling to get up out of your seat.
Full Cast of Midwinter Break
Lesley Manville
Stella
Lesley Manville delivered a captivating performance in the movie 'Midwinter Break,' portraying the nuanced character with a blend of subtlety and depth that resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike. Her ability to convey complex emotions through restrained expressions made her portrayal unique, standing out in the film's introspective narrative. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that during filming, Manville personally contributed to the development of her character's backstory, collaborating closely with the director to ensure authenticity, which added an extra layer of realism to her performance.
Ciarán Hinds
Gerry
In 'Midwinter Break,' Ciarán Hinds delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as Gerry, a man wrestling with the complexities of aging and the rediscovery of himself during a winter holiday in Amsterdam. His portrayal is marked by subtle emotional depth, capturing the character's introspection and vulnerability with authenticity. Compared to his roles in more intense or historical dramas, such as his commanding presence in 'Rome' or 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,' Hinds adopts a quieter, more intimate approach here, showcasing his versatility as an actor. An interesting trivia fact: Ciarán Hinds is known for his distinctive voice, which he has lent to video game characters, including the narrator in 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,' illustrating his broad range across different media.
Crew of Midwinter Break
Full backstage crew list →- Released February 20, 2026