Magnetosphere

The talk back host at the end of the screening kept insisting this was a kid's movie. Aside from being a little condescending, I felt she missed the point. The movie (to me) is about recognizing how some of our talents can be both an asset and a curse. The discovery is made by a young teen, since we generally become self-aware around our puberty.

But her age does not detract from the philosophy that what makes us unique or apart needs time to be internalized. Much as I find the term 'individualism' overused and over exploited, the movie celebrates the journey to self-acceptance in a charming way. Neuro-divergence is a real thing, no more no less.

I got to see Magnetosphere at its New York City premiere. Magnetosphere is a delightful, relatable coming of age story with a fresh perspective on growing up, self-discovery and acceptance through an engaging sensory journey. The film gives the audience perspective into the challenges of moving into a new home, going to a new school, experiencing first love along with insight into the extraordinary world of what it is like living with synesthesia. Director Nicola Rose and her talented cast give the audience an unforgettable exploration of how embracing our differences helps us find our place in this world. This is a film that the entire family would enjoy.

You have to be ready, in watching this one, to suspend disbelief and accept the world of the movie for what it is. On the one hand, you have a story about a young girl growing up, experiencing her first love, realizing her neurodiversity and coming to terms with loving herself. On the other hand, you have the zanier stories of the weird, often nutty and larger-than-life adults around her. It's a story where these worlds coexist as one. If anything, you get the feeling that one could not exist without the other.

Newcomers Shayelin Martin and Mikayla Kong are stars. Zooey Schneider as the little sister has some of the best lines in the movie. Tania Webb as the mom is an understated revelation, and Patrick McKenna as the goofy dad could not be more expressive. Colin Mochrie is a riot as sort-of-exterminator Gil, Tara Strong embodies the voice of not-quite-evil doll Captain Cassiopeia, and Debra McGrath as a kindhearted art teacher takes what could have been a one note role and fills it with depth and humor. Steven He radiates kindness as the boy too old for Maggie to fall in love with, and Jordyn Gillis is every middle school mean girl you've ever met.

Watch, accept the silliness and the seriousness as part of the same soup, and enjoy.

Magnetosphere is a wonderful film for all ages. It's filled with genuine laughs and has a solid dramatic storyline! It moves at a breezy pace with a nice message for anyone who might feel like they don't "fit in".

The cast really makes the most with the material provided! This is the director's second feature film and it shows growth. I am certain that she will have a lengthy career behind the camera.

I saw this film at the U. S. premiere in New York City .There was a decent crowd at the theater and as I mentioned earlier there were plenty of laughs coming from the audience. The film works ! I'd easily recommend watching it!

"Magnetosphere" takes you on a trip that is both magical and very, very real, and therein lies its tremendous draw, appeal, magnetism. I am an impatient viewer normally, but I couldn't take my eyes off the screen! Rose has deftly blended an authentic and moving adolescent narrative with an exploration into the world of synesthesia. The result reveals beneath the anguish of a seemingly ordinary coming-of-age journey, an experience that is unique but also highly relatable. The technical combination of realism and fantasy is handled with skill and care--never too much of either and just the right amount of each, we can both believe and suspend normal belief. And this magic is also thanks to the superb character interpretations by a cast that shines through individual roles and ensemble dynamics. Oh Canada! It is such a pleasure to experience the development of Nicola Rose as a filmmaker and we can't wait to see what comes next!