Night Raiders

This not the worst movie I've seen. So anyone throwing a 1 or a 2 at it is likely taking themselves a little too seriously. Likewise, it is not great or maybe even good so anyone throwing a 6 or more is invested in the movie's success or else just tolerates mediocre much better than I do.

This is not a lot of action. Not a lot of thriller. And the only real sci-fi does not make a lot of sense. You will likely have a hard time actually caring about the characters and an even harder time remaining interested in the outcome. And then when it happens you'll wish it hadn't because you will realize your investment in the payoff didn't earn much.

Other than that though, excellent movie. Watch it yourself if you don't believe me.

"They will come for us, like they always do. We try to warn the others, because we know how far these people will go, and that they will come for them too."

In the not-so-distant future Niska navigates forest and city as she flees with her daughter, Waseese, from the soldiers and drones of a militarized government. When the injured Waseese is taken by soldiers and put in a reeducation camp, Niska seeks the counsel of a friend, a lover, and a band of Cree rebels who compete for her trust. Many among the Cree believe that Niska is the visionary guide, Ogunuheneechigew, who has come to help them return to a promised land and existence. Niska just wants to see Waseese again.

Myth, assimilation, the natural world, the infamous residential schools of North America, modern technology, and even Canada's long-standing fears of their southern neighbor are all deftly woven into an enthralling story by Danis Goulet, who is Cree, in her debut feature. Don't see Night Raiders for mind-blowing dialogue that would make Noam Chomsky faint out of sheer admiration, for the acting prowess of a Natalie Portman or Daniel Day Lewis, or for special effects that would make George Lucas look like a basket weaver. Instead see it for the impressive and comforting independent spirit, creativity, and heart of a gifted storyteller.

Could have been a great series though. The ending was lack luster and it just needed more umpgh* at the end. It like climaxed on a cliff and just went splat. I don't know what more I wanted though. I guess a happy ending but instead we were left with that weird taste after you drink a diet soda. Overall great movie though and definitely worth watching.

The feminist and culturally specific Indigenous focal point in writer and director Danis Goulet's feature debut is admirable, but is muddled, dull and falls short in her attempt to intertwine a dystopian apocalyptic sci-fi story within it.

It started off really interesting and engaging as a apocalyptic sci-fi, but then once the cultural aspect became evident, I quickly lost interest and got bored, right up to the last 5 minutes of the ending. The 101 min runtime felt much longer with the slow pacing. The cinematography was excellent, the directing decent, and the performances quite good. It's a 6/10 from me.

Yes, I know this film is a bit lo-fi, yet the acting leads are superb, the story a bit too believable--especially in terms of recently uncovered nightmares of Indian schools, and the malicious tech right on target. Was there a bit too much left from he editing room intact: YES. But some of these actors probably worked their whole lives to get into a wide-distribution release. I appreciated the film on many levels and would hope other viewers would as well.