Jo B

You just don't see American films photographed like this -- the damp and desolation of a stairwell, the curiosity and innocence of a child lapping water from a cobblestoned courtyard puddle, the desperation and beauty of a young mother's face in close-up. This bleak yet richly beautiful film shows us the day-to-day struggles of a woman with a cold husband and three young children to care for who finds she's pregnant again. An unfortunately timeless story that may not be considered "exciting" enough for North American theatrical release, but deserves to be seen.

There are some good performances here and director/screenwriter Scott Smith seems to have a grip on teen troubles and fears yet the film didn't come together into anything really meaningful. The script and characters could have done with more development.

Caught between childhood and the adult world, in a time similarly challenged by change, Karine Vanasse is enchanting as a girl coming of age in 1960s Quebec. Parents, teachers, sex, philosophy, obsession with a film character, running away -- we've seen it all before, but this is a loving remembrance, shot in warm colours, with a thoughtful script and excellent performances, richly evoking the emotion, confusion and excitement of adolescence.