The Winter Guest

The sea's frozen. Most of the population of a small Scottish seaside town huddle indoors. Some brave the elements. A mother fights for a daughter's survival. A boy and girl become lovers. Two old ladies set off for a funeral. Two boys bunk off school. The day changes them all. Sharman Macdonald and Alan Rickman have crafted a screenplay that's both funny and lyrical. The winter guest of the title never announces itself, but remains an enigmatic presence in the lives of all the characters.