Winter Solstice 2005

As a dedicated single parent, Jim Winters (Anthony LaPaglia) finds himself wrestling with the heavy responsibility of raising his two sons, Gabe and Peter, against the picturesque backdrop of New Jersey’s rolling hills and suburbs. The tranquility of their routine is disrupted when the eldest son, Gabe, unexpectedly announces his intention to move to Tampa, Florida, leaving his family bewildered by the lack of clarity and foresight regarding his plans. His girlfriend, Stacey, is ironically unaware of Gabe’s true intentions, as she maintains a safe distance that serves as a barrier to his impulsive decisions.

In the meantime, Peter, still haunted by the tragic loss of his mother in a car accident five years earlier, is struggling to find his way through the murky waters of academic disappointment and emotional turmoil. The tension in the Winters household is palpable as Jim strives to maintain a semblance of stability and emotional harmony amongst the chaos.

Everything changes when Jim crosses paths with Molly Ripkin, a kind-hearted neighbor who graciously invites him and the boys over for dinner. This seemingly simple gesture becomes a pivotal point that ignites a series of events forcing each family member to confront their personal struggles and buried memories with newfound courage.

As the Winters family attempts to navigate this rocky phase, they are compelled to reassess their dynamics, relationships, and the outside world. The fragile balance they’ve struggled to uphold begins to unravel, ushering in hidden strengths and unresolved feelings. With Molly’s dinner invitation acting as a spark for transformation, the Winters clan embarks on an emotional journey, challenging their perspectives on themselves and their connections with one another in profound and unexpected ways.