“An exceptionally good story”: Lesley Manville has a “gut-wrenching” new role in moving drama Midwinter Break

If you love Lesley Manville as much as we do, then now’s the time to listen very carefully. The actress is taking on what might just be her most gut-wrenching role yet in Midwinter Break. Based on Northern Irish writer Bernard MacLaverty’s 2017 novel of the same name, which fans have called "an exceptionally good story", the drama examines the fraying of a long-term marriage in heart-breaking detail – and it's as moving as it sounds.

The film, which you can see a clip from above, revolves around retired couple, Stella (Lesley Manville) and Gerry (Ciarán Hinds), who take a trip to Amsterdam together. But what should be an enjoyable break for them both soon becomes a nightmare, as they’re confronted with troubled memories from the past.

While we patiently wait for Midwinter Break’s arrival on our screens this March, here’s everything you need to know about it, including the plot, cast and release date.

What is Midwinter Break about?

As we mentioned, the film is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Northern Irish writer Bernard MacLaverty. The drama introduces us to retired couple Stella (Lesley Manville) and Gerry (Ciarán Hinds), who decide to fly to Amsterdam for a midwinter break. While they’d hoped for a refreshing and relaxing holiday, instead Stella and Gerry’s relationship starts to crack beneath the surface as painful memories from their past re-emerge.

Dave Bishop, Protagonist Picture CEO, told The Hollywood Reporter: “Lesley and Ciarán are some of the top talents of their generation and the perfect pair to bring this emotionally intricate exploration of universal relationship dynamics to life.”

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Guy Heeley, Producer at Shoebox Films, added: “The prospect of Polly Findlay’s razor sharp take on this powerful and affecting story with its quietly devastating reveal, and with the simply brilliant Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds at its heart, is simply thrilling.”

Who’s in the cast of Midwinter Break?

The cast of Midwinter Break includes:

• Lesley Manville (Sherwood) as Stella
• Julie Lamberton (Theodosia) as young Stella
• Ciarán Hinds (Game of Thrones) as Gerry
• Ed Sayer (The Crown) as young Gerry

Is there a trailer for Midwinter Break?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Midwinter Break below.

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Is Bernard MacLaverty’s book Midwinter Break any good?

Yes, Midwinter Break is a brilliantly written book that captures all the inner workings and idiosyncrasies of a marriage. It's full of raw, honest emotion and may well move you to tears.

How can I watch Midwinter Break?

There's not long to wait as Midwinter Break will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 20^th March 2026.

What other dramas can I watch now?

Almost nothing can beat a drama with a lead performance from Sarah Lancashire so, for that reason, we’d recommend her hidden gem series, The Accident. Sarah plays a mother who’s left reeling after the catastrophic consequences of a large construction project’s explosion in a rural Welsh town and it's a gut-wrenching watch. You can watch The Accident on Channel 4. We’d also recommend Best Interests – but have handkerchiefs at the ready as it’s a tear-jerker. The series stars Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen as a married couple embroiled in a bitter fight with the government after a doctor recommends ending treatment for their sick daughter. You can watch it now on BBC iPlayer.