Marion Bridge

This film is labeled as `Genre: Drama, Female'. It's NOT! When I think of female dramas or `chick flicks' I think of the typical "woman making it (or not) in man's world" (Steel Magnolias, Thelma and Louise) or sappy overly emotional Cinderella story (Never Been Kissed ands about a thousand others I can't think of now). This is not one of those. This is a drama. An excellent drama that, coincidently, has a primarily female cast.

I just saw "Marion Bridge" at the Arizona International Film Festival. What a great movie! Well balanced with characters you can feel. It is about siblings and the LOVE/hate relationships between. It's a strong truthful script without the over the top soapbox agenda so common to independent films. The cast draws you in completely. If you have a sibling, watch this movie. If not then. watch this movie!

Oh, and Molly Parker. Wow!

'Marion Bridge' begins with 30-something Agnes waiting in a Nova Scotia airport bar for her sister Theresa's arrival on a flight from Toronto. After catching sight of a security guard, Agnes decides against lighting a cigarette. Later, after the two women greet each other with noticeable coolness, she declines to finish her drink, and comments tartly on the size of her sister's suitcase. Theresa makes a defensive response, and then laboriously hefts the oversize case through the airport instead of using its wheels.

This nuanced prologue telegraphs some prickly family dynamics, and sets the tone for the remainder of the film. On arrival at the family home, where a third sister also resides, the reason for Agnes' return soon becomes apparent: the siblings' mother is dying of cancer at the local hospital. As the story unfolds, family secrets are gradually illuminated by a smart, sensitive script which appears to have inspired exceptional performances from both cast and crew. The mystery of 'Marion Bridge' is revealed without theatrics, until it arrives at a final act which is as elegantly understated as the opening sequence - except that it has the effect of a punch to the gut.

Daniel McIvor (THE FIVE SENSES; BEEFCAKE) has written an extraordinary family drama involving three sisters trying to deal with their dying mother and the shared secrets of their past. Surely a recipe for mawkish, formula family drama, MARION BRIDGE succeeds wonderfully thanks to McIvor's sharp, funny screenplay, strong performances by Parker, Jenkins, Smith and youngster Ellen Page, and an assured directorial hand by first-timer von Carolsfeld. BRIDGE is filled with laugh-out-loud humor and powerful emotion as Parker's middle sister Agnes returns to her rural, Cape Breton hometown after living wild in Toronto. Her two sister Theresa and Louise view her return skeptically, but Agnes insists she's given up the booze and drugs she once played heavily with, and takes charge of their mother's care. Yet as in any family drama, those secrets preferred left undiscussed rear their ugly head. The sweeping Nova Scotia landscape echoes the arc of emotions of this troubled family dredged once more to the surface. A stand out film.

A sign of a good movie? When you just don't want it to be over, you do not want to leave the characters.

This is such a movie, flawless performances by all, without exception. It draws you slowly into the secrets at its depth, without mawkishness or a hammering of two by fours. The relationship between the sisters feels real. No black and white, a lot of grey but underneath it all a terrible understanding, unspoken and fearful.

All unfolds as it should. I was pleased to see the writer was Daniel MacIvor who also wrote another subtle, gentle movie called "The Five Senses." You are uncertain where it is taking you for a while and then the devastating truth you begin to guess at unfolds.

The story is revealed more in looks and glances than in specific dialogue. More than anything it is a story about coming home and making peace with the devils you have tried to leave there but are haunting you everywhere anyway.

8 out of 10. It is a shame these movies do not get wider circulation. Bravo to all.

Marion Bridge is a remarkable film. The movie's story elements would be at home in a typical movie of the week, and without the remarkable skill and restraint shown by its first-time director, the narrative could have very easily degenerated into weepy melodrama or gross caricature. But instead, the film's tone, pacing and subtle performances allow Marion Bridge to draw its strength from the real drama and humour found in everyday choices, characters and settings; as compromised and complex as life lived.

Also worth noting: the excellent sound track - especially the opening and closing instrumental pieces, and the surprising talents of Ellen Page.