By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Director: Jeanne Leblanc
Starring: Emilie Bierre | Judith Baribeau | Marianne Farley | Paul Doucet
Country: canada
Year: 2021
Running time: 103
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8724130/reference
Michael says: “The English translation of the harrowing film from Quebec is OUR OWN, which darkly conveys the complicit nature of the tight community in s small town in Quebec. After a traumatic factory fire that is responsible for the death of a pivotal character, the town’s Mayor steps up, receiving accolades for supporting the town and creating a park in memory of those who died. One of his biggest supporters is Isabelle, whose husband perished in the fire, and whose daughter Magalie is the focal point for the film. Isabelle lives across the street from the Mayor, and his good friends with his wife,Chantal. Magalie is best friends with the older of two of the Mayor’s adopted, immigrant sons. When we discover that Magalie is pregnant, a victim of the manipulative abuse that is far too prevalent among young girls, we also discover how the tangled interpersonal relationships of those involved make this film all the more harrowing. It is not a spoiler to reveal that the abuser is the town’s Mayor, and his deft and sinister manipulation of Magalie make for some uncomfortable and horrific viewing. The townsfolk, already mistrustful of those who are different, look to the Mayor’s immigrant son, and in a devastating moment, Magalie’s frightened victim makes a decision that changes lives.
“The film is tightly constructed and well-written, and if you find yourself getting frustrated with characters’ behaviors… that’s the point of Leblanc’s film. She co-wrote the screenplay with the actress who plays Chantal, whose character’s story arc is surprising and full of depth. The mother/daughter relationship shared by Isbelle and Magalie is remarkably realistic and adds to the frustration. It’s a small, quiet film, that one review i read criticized for not being more operatic due to its su object matter. I for one and grateful that it avoided that Hollywood-spawned pitfall and kept things low-key and simmering. The film also avoids a sunny ending, but keeps things firmly on the side or dark realism. 4 1/2 cats“