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Winter Passing is a 2005 American independent drama film, directed by Adam Rapp, and starring Ed Harris, Zooey Deschanel, and Will Ferrell. The film focuses on relationships, forgiveness, and family conflicts between a struggling young actress and her estranged father who is a famous novelist. The story follows Reese Holden (Zooey Deschanel), a struggling actress in New York City, who is emotionally distressed because of her mother's death, her failed career, and an ongoing affair with a married man. Tensions escalate when Reese receives a letter from her literary father, Don Holden (Ed Harris), whom she has not spoken to in years.

Don is a famous writer with a history of alcoholism, and he wants to reconcile with Reese and retrieve his late wife’s journals that Reese has in her possession. Don offers Reese the amount of money she needs to clear her debts in exchange for the journals. With no other options, Reese agrees to meet with her father in his isolated cabin in Michigan, where he has been living with his former assistant and current nurse, Shelly (Amelia Warner).

Initially, Reese is reluctant to stay but soon realizes that it's the only way to escape her problems and reconnect with her father. However, upon arrival, she discovers that Don is different from the father she remembered, and his relationship with Shelly is strange, leading to her suspicion of their intimacy.

Winter Passing delves into the complex family relationships between Reese, Don, and Shelly. The film highlights the themes of communication breakdown and the struggle to come to terms with the past. Don's father-daughter relationship with Reese is a significant factor throughout the film, showing how their problematic history affects their present interactions.

Ed Harris delivers an exceptional performance as an emotionally damaged alcoholic author, encompassing the character's inner struggles as a writer, a father, and a human being. Meanwhile, Zooey Deschanel's portrayal of Reese, a vulnerable yet combative character, brings depth and authenticity to the story. Will Ferrell's role has a small but integral part in the film as Reese's former neighbor, who is the director of a failing theatre company.

Winter Passing is a dark and emotional drama shot in a melancholic tone, capturing the harshness of winter in the remote, snowy cabin. The atmosphere adds to the intensity of the interpersonal relationships between the three characters as they attempt to reconcile their individual traumas. The cinematography effectively captures the ethereal beauty of the snow and nature, elevating the mood and adding a sense of surrealism to the film.

At its core, Winter Passing is a story about forgiveness, redemption, and acceptance. The film showcases the importance of communication and the value of family relationships, even in their most complicated forms. Overall, the film is a poignant portrayal of the human condition, with talented actors bringing the characters to life in a compelling and unforgettable way.

Winter Passing is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 56.