The Winter Guest


The Winter Guest is a 1997 drama film directed by Alan Rickman and starring Phyllida Law and Emma Thompson.

Plot

Set in Scotland on one wintry day, the film focuses on eight people; a mother and daughter, Elspeth and Frances ; two young boys skipping school, Sam and Tom ; two old women who frequently attend strangers' funerals, Chloe and Lily ; and two teenagers Nita and Alex. The film consists primarily of the interactions between the characters.

History

The film is based on Sharman MacDonald's play, premiered at the West Yorkshire Playhouse before transferring to the Almeida Theatre in London.
Like the film it was also directed by Rickman, starring Law, Reid, Voe and John Wark, with Siân Thomas in the role of Frances, played in the film by Emma Thompson.

Reception

The film was met warmly by critics, with Thompson winning an award at the Venice Film Festival.

Awards and nominations