Liam Neeson stars in this grim and ironic tale of unrealised ambitions and suppressed passions, set in a New England farming community. Ethan (Neeson) comes home when his mother becomes sick. After she dies he marries the cousin (Joan Allen) who nursed his mother, but she in turn becomes sick (although you suspect there isn't really a thing wrong with her). Another cousin, Mattie (Patricia Arquette), turns up to help around the house. Edith Wharton's story translates well to the screen, although its bitter edge has been blunted, which makes the conclusion perhaps less powerful than it should be. Nevertheless, the three principal stars work hard, especially Neeson, and the grim and cold New England winter adds the right amount of atmosphere.

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