Marion Bridge

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.

Agnes (Molly Parker) has come home to Sydney, Nova Scotia to see her hospitalized mother (Marguerite McNeil). She moves in with her sisters Theresa (Rebecca Jenkins) and Louise (Stacy Smith) who are still living at home. She is 65 days sober, but their mother never quit. They move their mother home. The women grate on each other. Agnes starts to stalk Joanie (Ellen Page) who is connected to her past somehow.

The movie is a low-key affair. The energy, the direction is a slow burn. The great actresses hint at a deeper story, and it's revealed slowly. Molly Parker and Rebecca Jenkins are especially terrific as sisters with unresolved issues. Marguerite McNeil is memorable as the alcoholic mother. The family secrets rattle around their relationships unspoken and untouched. It's a fascinating little movie.

As someone who loves the theatre but is tired of seeing the same material recycled again and again, it is refreshing to know that independent film still exists. Marion Bridge is such a breathe of fresh air. Its the type of picture which reassures you that there are still filmmakers out there who care about the story they are telling rather than just looking for a vehicle to demonstrate the newest special effect.

This film was absolutely wonderful. The others who have commented here have already given a synopsis, so I won't go into those details. I simply wanted to add my name to those who have praised Wiebke von Carolsfeld's feature length directorial debut.

Ms. Carolsfeld has taken a powerful story written by Daniel Maclvor and transfered it to film in a fashion that will touch you on many levels. I assure you that you won't forget about this movie or its performers (Molly Parker, Rebecca Jenkins, Stacy Smith and Marguerite McNeil are all outstanding) anytime soon.

I will continue to look for future endeavors by all of the participants in this project. They have a new fan today; one who hopes that there is plenty more material to come.

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.

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.