The story spans over a century and revolves around Peter Lake (played by Colin Farrell), a thief in early 20th-century New York City. While attempting a robbery, Peter encounters and falls in love with Beverly Penn (played by Jessica Brown Findlay), a young woman dying from consumption.
The narrative takes a fantastical turn when Peter discovers that he has the ability to perform miracles. He is pursued by a demonic gangster named Pearly Soames (played by Russell Crowe), who serves as a dark force attempting to thwart Peter’s destiny.
In a twist of fate, Peter becomes involved with a magical white horse and meets a mysterious woman named Virginia Gamely (played by Jennifer Connelly) in the present day. The film explores themes of love, destiny, and the battle between good and evil.
In the climax, Peter faces a final confrontation with Pearly, and the supernatural elements of the story come to the forefront. The resolution involves a combination of love, sacrifice, and the transcendent power of miracles.
The film concludes with a blend of fantasy and redemption, suggesting that love has the ability to transcend time and death. “Winter’s Tale” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visual aesthetics and ambition but criticism for its convoluted plot and tonal inconsistencies. The film aimed to capture the magical and romantic essence of Helprin’s novel but faced challenges in translating its complex narrative to the screen.