Watch Ethan Frome

Ethan Frome is a 1993 drama film directed by John Madden and based on the Edith Wharton novel of the same name. Set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts in the late 19th century, the film tells the tragic story of Ethan Frome, a farmer who is trapped in a loveless marriage to his sickly and bitter wife, Zeena. Liam Neeson plays the titular character, Ethan Frome, a man who is haunted by his past and weighed down by his responsibilities. Despite his stoic exterior, Ethan is a complex and sensitive man, who longs for a better life but feels powerless to change his circumstances. Patricia Arquette stars as Mattie Silver, Zeena's cousin who comes to live with the Fromes and becomes the object of Ethan's affection.

The film opens with an elderly Ethan Frome (Gil Rood) narrating the events of his tragic past to a young engineer who is visiting Starkfield. The story then flashes back to the younger Ethan, who is struggling to make ends meet on his farm and care for his ailing wife. When Mattie arrives to help Zeena, Ethan is immediately drawn to her youthful energy and kind personality. The two become close friends and begin to fall in love, but they are constantly thwarted by Zeena's presence and the societal expectations of the time.

As the tension between Ethan, Mattie, and Zeena continues to build, the film takes a dark turn, culminating in a dramatic and heartbreaking climax that leaves all three characters forever changed. Through it all, Neeson delivers a powerful performance, capturing the quiet desperation and intense longing of his character, while Arquette shines as the bright light in Ethan's otherwise dreary existence. Rood's portrayal of the older Ethan adds an extra layer of poignancy to the film, highlighting the lasting impact of the events that unfold.

The film is visually stunning, with director John Madden using the stark New England landscape to mirror Ethan's emotional state. The muted color palette and somber tone of the film add to its melancholy atmosphere, and the haunting musical score heightens the sense of tragedy that permeates the story.

Overall, Ethan Frome is a beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of Wharton's novel while adding its own distinct style and vision. Neeson, Arquette, and Rood deliver standout performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters and elevating the already powerful story to new heights. Fans of Wharton's work and those who appreciate a well-crafted period drama are sure to find much to admire in this captivating film.

Ethan Frome is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.