Fellow Movie Buffs

Thursday, July 18, 2024

"The Winter House"

 2021 * Not Rated * 1h 30m What a pleasant surprise this one turned ut to be When I read the description I thought it could be either really good, or really bad. As luck would have it, it turned out being the former. This is one of those films that basically focuses on two people for 95% of the time. It could very easily be based on a stage play, since it's very dialogue driven. Not only is it well written, the acting takes it to the next level. 

Eileen (Lily Taylor) is grieving over the recent loss of her husband. She's an acclaimed author and just needs to get away from it all, ostensibly to heal. But she just might have some other motives. This takes her to a remote area of New Hampshire, where she rents a house for the winter. One evening there's a knock at the door. She reluctantly lets in a young man Jesse (Francois Arnaud), and after realizing he doesn't pose a threat, lets him spend the night. After seeing as many horror flicks as I have, I sensed there was something a bit suspicious about him, and that the film was going to take a dark turn. (Can you say "slasher flick?")

The film does take a fair share of twists and turns. All of them totally unexpected. What makes this such an engaging movie is the way the two interact As you'd imagine, dealing with grief makes Eileen rather aloof at first. But as each one loosens up, and they learn about each other, the film slowly moves into uncharted territory. You hang on their every word, trying to figure out where their relationship is headed. 

If you enjoy a slow-moving but mesmerizing movie, give this one a shot. I think you'll really enjoy it. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com. And to rent on YouTube and Prime Video.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxtR_anGUj0&t=12s

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