#TIFF22: “BROTHER”

By Mr. Will Wong

Based on David Charlandy‘s acclaimed Novel of the same name, Clement Virgo‘s BROTHER takes us back to the ’90s in Scarborough. We meet two brothers, raised by their single mother (Marsha Stephanie Blake), and despite her best efforts to shield them, ultimately they are unable to avoid becoming a product of the violence abound, whether it be in the news or the gangs who fight for territory in their economically-depressed neighbourhood.

A mild-mannered Michael (Lamar Johnson) looks-up to his older brother Francis (Aaron Pierre), who acts as a big brother and father figure in the absence of their dad. And told in a non-linear manner, we see tragedy unfold as they and we continue to live in a time today where the value of a black life still is at the forefront of discussion.

Virgo, sans melodrama, captures a fly-on-the-wall feel with stunning Cinematography by Guy Godfree that evokes a darkness that casts a shadow over the hope of youth and coming-of-age for these young men. A beautiful, heartbreaking piece that at once looks at the strength of one family’s love in a dire place and time.

BROTHER screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Fri, Sep 09 IN-PERSON Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre 6:30pm

Fri, Sep 16IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 6:00pm