STORYLINE: A longtime couple take a life-changing trip to Amsterdam. (IMDb)

    There is a vast depth to Irish cinena.  Both Belfast (2021) and The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), are dramas that covered heavy subjects, that were Oscar contenders.  Sing Street (2016) and Kneecap (2024) shined a light on the music of Ireland.  Brooklyn (2015) was about the Irish immigrant experience. Adding to that depth of cinema is 2026’s Midwinter Break.

    Throughout a good film, an interesting and/or entertaining story will develop, with fascinating characters.      A lesser film falls short of this mark. Midwinter Break is the second kind of motion picture. 

    During the course of a story, that fails to fully develop, the two central characters never come into their own.  As a viewer I have no reason to care for either.  They appear to be just going through the events of the story, like there is no real impact on their lives.  The plot of Midwinter Break is set up to be a personal journey for the two leads.

   On the topic of the two leads, performers Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds did the best they could with there rolls.  In seeing Midnight Break, I got to enjoy seeing them perform together. It was not enough to elevate the film, from being a bad one.

    Midnight Break was a missed opportunity.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!