Reviews

I thought I would not like this film as it deals with the death of someone's child, afraid it would be depressing. In fact it was the opposite. The film maker is actually very careful to not get maudlin or sentimental and focuses instead on the mother's grieving process. However the superb acting of Guylaine Tremblay manages to convey a lot without excess emotion, we see the internal struggles not the external emotions. As well the winter St. Lawrence provides an other worldly setting that is apart from the every day world. Much of the picture is the main character herself alone in that world, which was excellent at conveying the separateness of those who grieve, how they are apart from the rest of us. The use of music throughout, the natural setting and the creative images provided by beloved relatives who have passed provided a depth that was letter perfect. The director Catherine Martin also provides an ending that is also perfect for this film. Overall a film that leaves images and sound resonating after you watch it.

Saw this at the Toronto International Film Festival. Thought it was stunning. A brilliant piece of film making. The story itself was compelling but also told in a way that did not reveal or signal. The use of dream sequences and flashbacks was great. The visuals were also outstanding, the underwater shots for me were unique. The large themes that were dealt with beyond the simple narrative made this film worth watching and it was done in a way that didn't hit you over the head. The music used also contributed greatly to the mood of the film. The choice to not show any adults, I recall only one teacher's voice but no shot of the teacher for example gave the film the Lord Of The Flies feel it needed to present this unique society which was an allegory for society at large. But all this done inside a suspenseful telling of a story that worked at the narrative level. Some very memorable line and scenes from this film. Loved it.