A Long Winter review: Fred Hechinger fronts a beautiful, unmissable queer drama

A Long Winter, directed by English writer/director Andrew Haigh, is a poignant exploration of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of familial estrangement. The film, starring Fred Hechinger and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, is based on Colm Tóibín's short story of the same name and is set in the harsh, unforgiving mountains of Colorado during the early 1950s.

Mike, played by Fred Hechinger, is the film's protagonist. He lives with his younger brother, mother, and father in a cozy home and farm. However, life takes a turn when his brother departs for work, and Mike witnesses a new side of his parents rife with regret and recrimination. As the harsh winter approaches, Mike's mother, Louise, grows increasingly irritable, her behavior increasingly erratic.

One day, she leaves the house, disappearing into the treacherous storm. The movie follows Mike's journey as he searches for his mother, seeking answers about her whereabouts and character.

Throughout the film, Mike grapples with his identity and his understanding of his parents. He reflects on his childhood memories of his mother's warm meals, but as time passes, his words and accent become softer, revealing his desire to forge a new path separate from his father's rigid ideals. In his quest for answers, Mike forms an unexpected friendship with Jimmy, a rebellious teenager brought in to help with the farm work, played by D Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

Hechinger delivers a career-best performance in A Long Winter, showcasing his growth as an actor. In contrast to his earlier roles, where he played more exaggerated characters, Hechinger brings a restrained yet powerful performance to the film. His portrayal of Mike is nuanced, with subtle shifts in language and demeanor that reflect Mike's evolving self-perception.

Moss-Bachrach, on the other hand, struggles to fully embody his role as the stern father, lacking the intensity and gravitas needed to match Hechinger's on-screen presence. However, together, they create a compelling and moving narrative that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.