Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
Seeing Canada through the eyes of its Filmmakers has always been a mind opening experience. Indie darling Bruce McDonald offers such an experience with his latest Film, Weirdos. The Film is led by two rising stars, Dylan Authors (Kit) and Julia Sarah Stone (Alice). The young actors play an affectionate duo on an existential adventure in 1970s Nova Scotia.
Though shot in black and white, the simplicity of the grayscale imagery is balanced by its high resolution. The same thing can be said about the soundtrack. Though much of the Film’s audio experience is simply atmosphere and dialog, it is beautifully contrasted by rich Canadian classics like Anne Murray’s “Snowbird.” Julia Stone’s Alice even adorns a vintage Canadian rock t-shirt while Kit and she road trip through the Maritimes.
Weirdos is a story about those who feel marginalized by the majority. Both the youthful characters who struggle with their sexuality, and the adults who struggle with their sanity. With regards to the latter, Molly Parker gives a commendable performance as Kit’s mother, Laura. She just took home a Canadian Screen Award for said performance. Daniel MacIvor also won one for the screenplay. These merits are warranted as the Film is a genuine Canadian expression, and an enlightening one.
Films We Like release WEIRDOS in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary and Cobourg Friday, March 17, 2017, as well as additional theatres in Ottawa, Victoria and Waterloo on Friday, March 24, 2017.
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