A One Mann’s Movies review of “Midwinter Break”. (2026, 3.5*, 12A).
There have obviously been many films about marriages falling apart – Marriage Story and Kramer vs Kramer are just two that immediately come to mind. But most of these films focus on a couple in their 30’s or 40s, driving additional emotional impact by adding in the impact of that separation on their young children. With “Midwinter Break”, we are in different territory: an elderly couple, comfortable – over-comfortable you might comment – in their long-standing marriage. This is a film that might make uncomfortable viewing for many such couples who have lost the fun in their lives.
One Mann’s Movies Rating:
Plot:
After fleeing the violence of Belfast in ‘the troubles’, Stella (Leslie Manville) and Gerry (Ciarán Hinds) have lived a relatively happy married life together in Glasgow for many decades. But Stella sees the looming shadow of mortality approaching and has decided she need ‘more’ out of life.
Certification:
UK: 12A; US: PG-13. (From the BBFC website: “Bloody images, upsetting scenes, sex references, infrequent strong language”.)
Talent:
Starring: Lesley Manville. Ciarán Hinds, Julie Lamberton, Ed Sayer, Niamh Cusack, Lewis Harris.
Directed by: Polly Findlay.
Written by: Bernard MacLaverty & Nick Payne. (Based on the novel by Bernard MacLaverty.)
Running Time: 1h 30m.
Review:
Postives:
- This is the directorial debut of Polly Findley, after she has directed a number of productions at the National Theatre, and she does a good job. The drama is nicely delivered in a ‘show don’t tell’ manner.
- The script nicely paints us a pen-portrait of the two lead characters, with each displaying their own set of faults: Stella (Leslie Manville), the highly religious one who is constantly seeking for ‘something’ more in her quiet unhappiness; Gerry (Ciarán Hinds), non-religious, drifting along with his retired life but quietly trying to hide his alcohol dependency, perhaps also revealing a secret unhappiness with life.
- The story keeps things wonderfully fluid. You think that they have a pleasant but lifeless relationship, but then Stella’s mood flips: they make love; they have a night on the town (finding an Irish bar in Amsterdam, obviously!) Stella presents as a complex, 3-dimensional character and as a man watching this, I kind of felt Gerry’s frustration in not being able to fully understand where she was coming from.
- Leslie Manville and Ciarán Hinds again demonstrate why they are some of Britain’s acting royalty: ever-reliable and turning in impressive performances. Manville is on much more familiar territory with this than her last sci-fi romp in “Cold Storage“!
- Technically, the film is beautifully shot by cinematographer Laurie Rose (2020’s “Rebecca”) and has a really nice score by Hannah Peel.
Negatives:
- It’s a fairly depressing film, seeing a couple teetering on the edge of separation. It makes it one that I wouldn’t really be interested in watching again.
- Stella’s actions might make you infuriated with her character. When viewed in the light of the whole film, she is quite sneaky and conniving.
- The linkage back to an opening event in Belfast, when Stella (then Julie Lamberton) was pregnant, feels a little bit too forced. I wasn’t convinced that an historical event like that (where Stella effectively gave her life over to God) would have held SUCH a sway over that many years.
- For lovers of films with significant plot content, this one will be a real turn-off…. not much happens.
Summary Thoughts:
I um’d and ah’d with my rating on this one, switching repeatedly between 3*s and 3.5*. It comes down to that age old question of whether I should rate a film based on how much I enjoyed it / would like to rewatch it or on its technical competence. As you will see, I’ve plumped more for the latter view.
This is a film that elderly couples will, I think, talk about afterwards. That was the case for myself and the illustrious Mrs Movie Man, since we were talking about this film throughout the 20 minute drive home, which is frankly quite unusual. It will also make couples like ourselves look at their own relationships and wonder “Are we actually drifting along too much like Stella and Gerry are”? (Thankfully, myself and the IMMM firmly decided that we were NOT!)
Where to watch?
Trailer:
The trailer for the film is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeD_KEGIU_Q.
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