Monkey Beach

In a world of remakes and predictable storylines cheesy premises spewing out from Hollywood. This movie is pure original art from a novel that opens your mind to the things you have never known before. Take in the breathtaking scenery and the absolutely beautiful performances . Please watch if you can and enjoy.

Unless you're spiritual or unless you believe in mysticism, I'd take a pass on Monkey Beach. I was persuaded to watch it based on the generous reviews it has garnered on this website. I can report that it wasn't my cup of tea.

Loretta Todd did an amazing job of directing a particularly complex script. A young Haisla woman with the ability to perceive spirits and future events, returns home to reconnect with her family and community. While grappling with the darkness that is so common in Indigenous communities, she finds her power from the interactions with her people and through ceremony and spiritual journeying, the magic of her spirit powers are fully realized. The spirit world reveals her shamanic ancestral roots. The imagery is breathtaking and captures the natural beauty of northern BC. What better way to the oppressors than to find your own power.

There's not enough of a plot.

It's very slow too.

I give it 5.

I saw this film at the Vancouver International Film festival. This film is very beautifully shot portraying the area in and around Kitimat. The beauty of the natural landscape is one aspect but generally the the cinematography throughout the film is in line with the natural beauty of the area, especially the shots on the water. The performances by all of the indigenous actors are great some of the best in recent memory. The supernatural scenes are so powerful, I had chills! The post credit scene brought tears to my eyes, this film is not to be missed and as an indigenous person it was so nice to feel the sense of community in the film. GO SEE THIS FILM!