#TIFF19: “BLACK CONFLUX”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Black Conflux tells the story of two seemingly different people: reserved teenager Jackie (Ella Ballentine) and troubled adult Dennis (Ryan McDonald) in a 1980s small town in Newfoundland.

Feature Debut Writer-Director Nicole Dorsey shows a mature filmmaking style who has evenly measured the time allocated to her two characters. She examines the mental turmoil of her leads and the impending impact they could have on each other with an even hand. Thus, having the audience wonder when or if they will converge. However, what works best is the coming-of-age story of Jackie, expertly performed by Ballentine, whose internal struggle is as developed as her external one.

Black Conflux screens at TIFF on Fri, Sep 6 at Scotiabank Theatre at 6:15 PM, Sun, Sep 8 at Scotiabank Theatre at 5:45 PM, and Sat, Sep 14 at 11:30 AM at Scotiabank Theatre.