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WINTER SOLSTICE Send This Review to a Friend
Stories exploring inner family relationships depend on acting as much as on scripts, and “Winter Solstice,” written and directed by Josh Sternfeld, benefits from stalwart performances with Anthony LaPaglia at the core as a father struggling to raise two sons and keep the lines of communications open. LaPaglia, as is usually the case, is extremely good and very real in creating the character of Jim Winters, who works as a landscape gardener.
The setting is a suburban community in New Jersey, where the Winters family lives modestly in the wake of a past tragedy that claimed the life of Jim’s wife and left the sons with wounds that complicate existence with dad. Mark Webber is excellent as Pete, the youngest, who is rebellious without any seemingly constructive outlet. Aaron Stanford also gives a strong performance as Gabe, who has his own issues with his father. He is itching to break loose and harbors Florida as his goal.
It is clear that Jim really needs a mate, and when Molly (Allison Janney) moves into the neighborhood she casts an eye on him He is also attracted to her, but has to overcome his reluctance. His efforts to weave his sons into the equation meet with obstacles.
Janney may be a bit strong for the role, but she does wonders with it, creating a powerful presence and allowing her own vulnerabilities to show.
Although the problems are front and center, writer-director Sternfeld generally keeps the tone low key and gives his film the aura of truthfulness, allowing us to relate to the characters and the performances, especially that of LaPaglia. A Paramount Classics release.
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