Midwinter Break - Glasgow Film Festival 2026 Review

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Midwinter Break – Glasgow Film Festival 2026 Review

Based on the novel of the same name by Glasgow based, Northern Irish writer Bernard MacLaverty, the film follows Stella and Gerry, a retired teacher and architect living in Glasgow, as they go on a city break to Amsterdam. Apart from taking in the sites Stella reflects on past trauma experienced during ‘The Troubles’, problems in their marriage and what the future might hold.

Lesley Manville plays the part of Stella and Ciarán Hinds is Gerry; both are perfectly cast and give subtle and believable performances. The couple are at a stage in their lives, where they have been married a long time and their one son, Michael, is moving off with his family, to make his home elsewhere.

Stella is a very religious and spiritual woman, who feels unfulfilled and frustrated and is seeking a different sort of life. Ciarán mocks her spirituality and finds consolation from any of his own demons in drinking, often secretively.

The film is quiet and nuanced and does not constantly shove the couples’ problems in your face; as is often the case, the two have a complex relationship which is characterised by sweetness and affection as well as exasperation, hurt and resentment.

As they immerse themselves into their holiday in this fascinating city and enjoy each others’ company, we find out that Stella has another reason for visiting Amsterdam She is keen to investigate an opportunity to live in a women’s housing retreat that offers the opportunity to lead a more devout life.

On their return trip their flight is delayed. The boredom and frustration of waiting in the airport reflects the feelings Stella holds regarding the state of her life and marriage. She opens up to Ciarán about her concerns regarding his drinking, the deceit and her lack of fulfilment in her life. This conversation is engrossing – showing both how familiar the couple are with each other but how lack of communication has left important gaps in this knowledge.

Polly Findlay’s directorial debut moves along at a slow pace and is a long way from tense and thrilling but it quietly absorbs the audience in a tale of love and loneliness. Delving into the extraordinary within what appears to be ordinary hum drum existences, it demonstrates the significance of what can be revealed when you truly talk.

Pat Byrne, February, 2026

(You can catch Midwinter Break at Glasgow Film Theatre on Friday 27 February at 1.15 p.m.)

Glasgow Film Festival 2026 continues until 8 March.

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