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February 20, 2026

At the Movies: In ‘Midwinter Break,’ a quiet marriage story with Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds

By LINDSEY BAHR
AP Film Writer

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In the new film “Midwinter Break,” out Friday, these two Irish empty nesters beautifully portrayed by Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds have become the embodiment of the words “alone together” in their late 60s and early 70s.

Stella and Gerry might not have a bad marriage, but they don't have especially healthy one either. In the new film “Midwinter Break,” out Friday, these two Irish empty nesters beautifully portrayed by Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds have become the embodiment of the words “alone together” in their late 60s and early 70s. She goes to church. He reads, and drinks, and passes out on the recliner. Repeat. But one Christmas Eve, Stella decides to break the monotony: She books a trip for two to Amsterdam, departing as soon as possible. Gerry beams that it's a fantastic idea and off they go to try to get out of their routine and maybe remember why they made this lifelong commitment in the first place.


 
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