Watch Winter Solstice
- R
- 2004
- 1 hr 29 min
-
6.0 (1,482)
Winter Solstice is a 2004 movie that tells the story of a family trying to cope with the loss of their mother. The movie stars Anthony LaPaglia as Jim Winters, a grieving father struggling to connect with his teenage sons, Gabe (Aaron Stanford) and Pete (Mark Webber). The movie is set in a small town in upstate New York, where the Winters family lives in a modest house on the outskirts of town. Jim is a single parent, having lost his wife several years ago, and is doing his best to raise his two sons. However, he finds it hard to connect with them, as they are both going through their own difficulties.
Gabe, the oldest son, is struggling to find his place in the world. He has dropped out of college and is working at a local supermarket, unsure of what he wants to do with his life. He is also dealing with the recent breakup of his relationship with a girl he was seeing. Pete, the younger son, is a high school student who is having a hard time at school. He is being bullied by a group of boys, and his grades are slipping.
The family is also dealing with the recent arrival of a new neighbor, Stu, played by Ron Livingston. Stu is a successful businessman who has moved to town with his wife, who is pregnant. Stu and Jim strike up a friendship, as they both share a love of fishing. However, Gabe is suspicious of Stu's intentions and doesn't trust him.
As the movie progresses, the family members connect with each other in different ways. Jim and Gabe go on a fishing trip together, where they have an honest conversation about their feelings. Gabe also connects with a girl he meets at the supermarket, and he starts to feel like he has a purpose. Pete finds an unlikely ally in the form of one of his bullies, and he starts to feel more confident at school.
Winter Solstice is a quiet movie that relies on its characters to carry the story. The acting is excellent, especially from LaPaglia, who portrays Jim with a quiet strength. Stanford and Webber are also impressive as the sons, bringing a vulnerability to their roles that is touching.
One of the themes of the movie is the idea of second chances. Jim is given a second chance to connect with his sons, and he takes it. Gabe is given a second chance to find his purpose, and he takes it. Pete is given a second chance to stand up for himself, and he takes it. The movie shows that it's never too late to make a change and that it's never too late to try and connect with the people you love.
Winter Solstice is a beautifully shot movie that captures the stark beauty of upstate New York in the winter. The cinematography is stunning, with the icy landscapes providing a fitting backdrop for the family's struggles.
The movie touches on themes of grief, family dynamics, and the search for meaning. It's a quiet movie that rewards patience and rewards those who are willing to connect with the characters.
In conclusion, Winter Solstice is a well-acted, beautifully shot movie that tells a poignant story of a family trying to cope with loss and find their way back to each other. It's a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Winter Solstice is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 59.