By Amanda Gilmore
The deeply-moving The Swearing Jar follows married couple Carey (Adelaide Clemens) and Simon (Patrick J. Adams) who are expecting their first child. However, when Carey meets bookstore clerk Owen (Douglas Smith) she finds herself falling in love with him.
Director Lindsay MacKay and Screenwriter Kate Hewlett have brought us an enchanting journey through love and forgiveness. Carey and Simon are deeply in love. However, there are secrets the two are keeping from each other. Carey’s secret is about her falling for Owen, while Simon’s secret revolves around a terminal illness he has. Their relationship is a beautiful examination of love, secrets and forgiveness.
When a twist happens in the middle, The Swearing Jar goes even deeper to examine grief. Carey is burdened by her secret and Simon’s. She must learn to forgive herself and him if she is to move on and be the best she can be for their daughter. This is when Owen comes back into her life. Here, the Film evokes complex questions about love. There is no easy answer which makes The Swearing Jar all the more intriguing.
The steadfast direction from MacKay and the enchanting script by Hewlett is matched by an impactful ensemble. The main trip of actors, Clemens, Adams and Smith, give nuanced performances that show their desires and regrets.
The Swearing Jar screens as follows at TIFF ’22:
Sun. Sep 11 IN-PERSON at Scoiabank Theatre at 9:30 pm
Thu, Sep 15 IN-PERSON at TIFF Bell Lightbox at 4:00 pm
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