Novelist Bernard MacLaverty has noted that getting this project to the screen was a long process, spanning nearly nine years and complicated by writers' strikes and COVID-19, before Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds joined the cast and they were able to bring audiences to Amsterdam. The beginning of the film reveals that both characters are originally from Belfast; she became entangled in the Troubles while pregnant, which led to their move to Glasgow. Now married for around thirty years, they lead separate lives: “Stella” is deeply religious, while “Gerry” enjoys his Scotch whisky. Despite this, things seem generally pleasant between them, and Stella organizes a Christmas trip for them. As they explore Amsterdam, we gradually discover more about the reasons behind their current circumstances and her plans to address what she perceives as an emptiness in her life. The film feels somewhat like a layered confection; it begins and concludes with moments of thoughtful sincerity, but the central portion falls short. It drifts along with extensive establishing shots and Gerry’s occasional surreptitious drinks, yet they don't delve deeply enough into developing the characters. Given their long marriage, it seems as though they don’t truly understand one another or what motivates them—though it’s questionable whether that’s believable. Their differing views on her Catholicism appear to contribute to their emotional distance, but this isn’t explored beyond the considerable guilt she's carried since escaping a past tragedy. There are compelling themes woven throughout, and some of the writing is both funny and genuinely moving, yet despite what seems like an intentional effort from the actors, it doesn’t fully address the issues it brings up. It makes for acceptable viewing on television, but as a cinematic work, I found it too lacking in substance.

Source on TMDB