A Long Winter review – hope, desire, and subversion in Andrew Haigh’s beautiful winter western

In the stillness of winter’s grasp, a peculiar comfort can be found in the darkness. Andrew Haigh’s “A Long Winter” is a cinematic exploration of this paradox, transposing Colm Tóibín’s 2006 story to the snow-shrouded landscapes of Colorado during the Korean War era. The result is a poignant and subversive study of grief and desire that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film centers on Lester, a grizzled farmsteader played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who ekes out a living breeding rabbits for their meat and fur in this remote Colorado landscape. His family’s dynamics are strained as his sons face different challenges: one leaves for military service, while the other harbors secret desires.

Haigh’s adaptation is notable not only for its haunting beauty but also for its willingness to confront the void left by absence. The mother’s disappearance serves as a catalyst for the family’s emotional state, exposing the deep-seated loneliness that pervades their lives. This exploration raises important questions about masculinity and the pressures placed upon men without women in their lives.

The cinematography by André Turpin is breathtaking, capturing the wintry landscapes with an otherworldly quality. Long takes and deliberate pacing add to the sense of unease that permeates the narrative, making this a film that doesn’t shy away from discomfort but instead uses it to explore human emotions.

One of the most striking aspects of “A Long Winter” is its portrayal of masculinity in crisis. Lester’s character, though hardened by his circumstances, is also shown to be vulnerable and struggling with responsibility. This nuanced characterization is a departure from traditional masculine archetypes often depicted on screen.

The film’s use of setting transports viewers to a bygone era, immersing them in the harsh realities of rural life during wartime. The Korean War-era backdrop adds an air of historical context, underscoring the sense of unease that pervades the narrative. This is not merely a story about a family’s struggles but also a commentary on societal pressures placed upon individuals during times of conflict.

The themes of loneliness and disconnection in “A Long Winter” are just as relevant today as they were during the Korean War era. As we navigate our increasingly technological lives, we find ourselves disconnected from each other and the natural world. Haigh’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection and the need to confront our own vulnerabilities.

As the credits roll on Haigh’s masterpiece, viewers are left with a sense of unease that is both uncomfortable and necessary. This is a film that challenges us to confront the voids in our lives and find solace in the beauty of human connection.