Winter Solstice (2005)

Rating:

One of the most gripping stories I’ve witnessed, Winter Solstice is a masterpiece that immerses one to depths of grief yet lifts one up to such heights of delight having to have watched it. Effective and compelling performances from a polished assembly of actors (others not so known), unadorned yet striking cinematography, discerning and observant debut direction of writer-director Josh Sternfield, and the engrossing musical scoring by John Leventhal, all contribute to this movie’s undoubted feat.

Set in a quiet little town, the story takes place 5 years after the sudden death of Jim Winters’ wife. Now left with two adolescent sons, he struggles as his two sons glides away who themselves are still struggling for the loss of their mother. As indifference teems in the family, Jim feels helpless but attempts to unite his family once again. As communicating things to his sons becomes impossible, Jim fears that what he worked for his entire life will be wasted and who he thinks he is will vanish just like that. His youngest having difficulty finishing high school and his eldest planning to go to Tampa, Jim is bleak.

But hope springs from a new neighbor in the person of Molly Ripkin who’s house-sitting a friend’s residence. Just in time for Jim’s coldest time in his family life, Molly’s company and kindness give comfort and bring warmth to Jim steering him to realizing that the only way to find the future is to face the past.

Looking back, you realize nothing seems to happen really in the movie. The movie itself appears easy to put together you’d think anyone can do it. But not seeing much movies with such concept and directorial control, you have to agree it’s not as easy to accomplish as it seems it is. It is on those movies that study human behavior and being accurate.

© 2006 Jonathan Susvilla