Winter Solstice

from Film Forum, 04/14/05

Looking for something that's worthy of raves? There a few wintry terms tossed around in the reviews of Josh Sternfeld's Winter Solstice, but it's gained higher praise than any of the week's rival releases. The film stars Anthony LaPaglia (Lantana, TV's Without a Trace) as a widower raising two teenage sons and trying to carry the family through the dark days after the loss of his wife in a car accident.

Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) is enthusiastic. "Remember the name Josh Sternfeld. If his first feature-length film is any indication, he's a filmmaker to watch. Sternfeld has crafted a sensitive slice-of-life story with dialogue that rings absolutely true. The performances are extraordinary. Ultimately, Winter Solstice imparts a good pro-family and hopeful message, so a film which could have been unrelievedly somber actually ends on a positive, uplifting note."

Mainstream critics are somewhat impressed.