The Netflix film ‘Midwinter Break’ attempts to deliver a nuanced drama for adults, focusing on the strained relationship of a long-married couple, Stella (Lesley Manville) and Gerry (Ciarán Hinds). Directed by Polly Findlay in her film debut, the movie, adapted from Bernard MacLaverty’s novel, centers on the couple's trip to Amsterdam as they grapple with unspoken trauma and growing distance.
Unpacking Past Trauma
The narrative begins with Stella and Gerry living in retirement in Glasgow, having moved away from the site of a past tragedy. Flashbacks reveal a pregnant woman, gunshots, and a hospital scene, hinting at a traumatic event that occurred during the Troubles in Belfast. Stella, who carries a c-section scar and another wound from a bullet, alludes to the past, stating, "We never speak about what happened in Belfast." While the exact details remain veiled, the film suggests this unresolved history significantly impacts their present relationship.
The story unfolds during Christmas Eve, highlighting their domestic disconnect. Stella, described as devout, prepares for Mass while Gerry, a skeptic, drinks alone at home. The following morning, Stella surprises Gerry with a trip to Amsterdam, hoping the change of scenery might mend their fractured bond. Their son is absent for the holidays, further emphasizing their isolation.
Amsterdam Interlude
In Amsterdam, Stella and Gerry engage in a series of subdued activities. They visit museums, dine, and even have sex, yet the emotional gap persists. Stella seeks spiritual solace, visiting the Anne Frank house and Begijnhof, a community for devout women. She attempts to discuss their shared past and her spiritual journey, but Gerry consistently deflects, focusing on practical matters like hunger or his skepticism towards religion. His dismissive remark, "What happened to you was not miraculous," underscores his resistance to confronting their history.
A Flawed Narrative
Despite the strong performances from Manville and Hinds, ‘Midwinter Break’ is criticized for its underdeveloped screenplay. The film's central flaw lies in its failure to fully flesh out Gerry's inner life, leaving his character ill-defined. While Manville has more substantial material, the screenplay doesn't afford her partner equal depth, hindering the exploration of their potential for reconciliation.
The drama's focus on unacknowledged trauma and vague regrets is presented with a visually somber, gray-toned aesthetic. The film is characterized by its quiet, understated scenes, which at times feel hollow. The characters' ideologies are presented as hazy, and the script seems engineered for dramatic monologues that, according to critics, do not fully land. The soundtrack, featuring solo piano and violin, complements the mood of melancholy and mundanity that pervades the couple’s relationship and, ultimately, the film itself.
Ultimately, ‘Midwinter Break’ is deemed an underwhelming experience that fails to capitalize on the talent of its lead actors, concluding with a "Skip It" recommendation.