Andrew Haigh’s new film, “A Long Winter,” set in the Rocky Mountains in the early 1950s, is receiving acclaim for its cinematography and storytelling. The film, based on a novella by Colm Tóibín, centers on brothers Mikey and Tom and their parents, Lester and Louise.
The film’s visuals, captured by André Turpin, are described as vivid and immersive, going beyond simply being “pretty pictures.” The cinematography is noted for its ability to unfold the action with “shimmering inquiry and suspense,” functioning as integral parts of the narrative. The film is described as austere but captivating once the audience connects with its tone.
The story follows Mikey (Fred Hechinger) and Tom (Kit Connor), adult brothers sharing a bedroom on a remote farm. Tom is preparing to leave for Army service in Korea, while Mikey expresses contentment with their quiet life. Their parents, Lester (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Louise (Caitríona Balfe), provide a sense of “old-world American family coziness,” though underlying tensions soon emerge.
Louise is revealed to be struggling with alcohol, attempting to conceal her drinking from her family. Mikey is the last to discover her habit. A trip to a nearby town highlights Louise’s deception, as she has a drink and then lies about it. Lester, aware of his wife’s drinking, decides to intervene by throwing out her wine, hoping to help her quit.
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