Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

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Adam Holz: In the new movie *Midwinter Break*, now in theaters, actors Leslie Manville and Ciarán Hinds portray a couple facing a crossroads in their marriage of four-plus decades. It hasn't been a bad marriage, but not really an exceptional union either. These days, Stella and Jerry coexist comfortably. They read together, listen to music. Stella goes to church while Jerry stays home and drinks.

It's the gap between those two realities that creates this slow-burning story's dramatic tension. Stella proposes a holiday trip to Amsterdam, an idea that Jerry enthusiastically embraces. But she has an ulterior motive, one that involves making good on a vow she made to God early in their marriage.

If God would save her unborn son, she prayed, she would devote her life to serving Him. God did save her son, but Stella thinks she hasn't held up her end of the bargain. The trip to Amsterdam isn't just a vacation, but more like a personal spiritual pilgrimage for her. Except that her husband has no idea, nor, for that matter, is he interested in things of faith.

Guest (Male): Amsterdam?

Guest (Female): I thought it was time for an adventure.

Guest (Male): That's fantastic. You've outdone yourself, Mrs. Gilmore.

Adam Holz: *Midwinter Break* moves at a glacial pace, but along the way, it dives into deep waters involving marriage and faith. Jerry is quite clearly an alcoholic, and a couple of moments of harsh profanity turn up in this PG-13 drama as well.

So, we're giving *Midwinter Break* a two-and-a-half out of five for family-friendliness. Read the full review at pluggedin.com/radio and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. I'm Adam Holz with the Plugged In movie review by Focus on the Family.

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