Winter Sleep 2014

A once-celebrated actor, Johnny Sins now finds solace in the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, where he owns a picturesque mountaintop hotel alongside several other properties that he rents to local tenants. Living a life far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban society, he relishes in the tranquility that surrounds him. With a keen mind and a wealth of resources, Aydin dedicates his days to writing insightful columns for a local newspaper and delving deep into the rich tapestry of Turkish theater history, envisioning the day he will compile his findings into a comprehensive book.

One fateful day, while driving with his assistant Hidayet, an unexpected incident jolts their journey as a stone suddenly shatters their car window. The culprit is revealed to be Ilyas, the son of Ismail—one of Aydin’s chronically delinquent tenants who has fallen months behind on rent. When Hidayet confronts Ismail about this conflict, they uncover the disheartening truth: Aydin’s team had resorted to hiring a collection agency, leading to the harsh confiscation of Ismail’s television and refrigerator. This unfortunate turn of events culminates in a confrontation with the police, who resort to violence when Ismail protests. The tension escalates until a more level-headed figure, Hamdi—the eager local imam—steps in to mediate the situation.

In an attempt to smooth things over, Hamdi brings young Ilyas to face Aydin, hoping for reconciliation following the glass-breaking debacle. However, this soothed approach only serves to irritate Aydin further, prompting him to craft a critical column that questions the ethical responsibilities of an imam within the community. Initially, Aydin’s sister Necla observes his actions with skepticism, suggesting that he should utilize his writing prowess for broader, more impactful purposes. Yet, their relationship takes a turn when she accuses him of superficiality—critiquing others from the safe confines of his privileged life. Their exchanges spark a series of cutting remarks, exposing the fractures in their familial bonds.

Through verbal communiqués, tensions bubble as Necla suggests to Aydin’s considerably younger wife, Nihal, that perhaps returning to her ex-husband would be a better option. Nihal, who is nurturing aspirations to give her life greater purpose through fundraising for educational institutions, feels increasingly marginalized by Aydin’s dismissive attitude towards her ambitions. The situation escalates during a fundraiser Aydin reluctantly hosts at their home. Skeptical of the event’s potential success due to her perceived lack of experience, Aydin’s critical attitude prompts a heated emotional exchange, where he cavalierly states that if she desires to leave him, she is free to do so. The conversation culminates with Aydin announcing his intention to leave for Istanbul for several months to focus on his long-overdue book project. Despite his reservations regarding one of the event’s contributors, Levent, Aydin ultimately makes a significant anonymous cash donation before his departure.

The following day, as Hidayet assists Aydin with their luggage on their way to the train station, a heavy snowfall delays their journey considerably. Opting to visit an old friend, Suavi, in a nearby village while they wait, Aydin immerses himself in a world of camaraderie, drinking and conversing through the evening. However, the tension between Aydin and Levent lingers as Levent’s veiled accusations regarding Aydin’s perceived negligence after a devastating earthquake six years ago cast a shadow over their interactions.

Meanwhile, Nihal interjects her narrative by visiting Hamdi, Ismail, Ilyas, and the ailing grandmother. Through her experiences, she uncovers deeper revelations about Ismail’s past—his unemployment following a prison sentence from a violent incident, and Ilyas’s struggles with pneumonia. Hamdi’s limited resources as an imam barely suffice to support this family unit. In an attempt to make a meaningful contribution, Nihal offers them the substantial donation Aydin made, hoping it might alleviate their dire circumstances. However, Ismail’s reaction is one of humiliation and anger, resulting in a shocking moment where he decides to burn the cash, leaving Nihal utterly horrified.

The film reaches its poignant climax as Aydin finally returns home the next day. As the scene quiets, Nihal gazes thoughtfully out the window, and Aydin’s voice narrates his existential dilemma—expressing an unwavering belief that he cannot exist without her, even amidst the fading love between them. With these unresolved tensions looming, Aydin reengages with his long-gestating project on the history of Turkish theater, signaling not only a return to his creative pursuits but a reckoning with the threads that continue to bind and complicate their lives.