Porcupine Lake

source: Porcupine Lake

This is really a nice film about two girls who meet, discover each other, and become very close friends very fast. Having grown up in a resort community I can attest that this rapid development from strangers to bosom companions can and very often does happen during summer vacation. It's charming to watch the principals in this film contend with the strange new feelings that are an inevitable part of adolescence. One drawback I just could not get over was that actress Charlotte Salisbury seemed to have no chemistry with the dog, who was apparently always looking off to stage left for his handler! The details of the real-life Port Severn community are fascinating - the restaurant/petrol depot really exists as depicted and appears consistently in the film.

Bea and her mother is moving to Port Severn for the summer. It's cottage country and a small lakeside community. Her father inherited the local diner from his father. Her mother wants to sell it and the marriage is in trouble. Bea is befriended by Kate. Bea is shy and prone to panic attacks. Kate is from a troubled family with troubled older brother Romeo. Kate takes Bea as her girlfriend as she brings Bea into her world. I've never heard of filmmaker Ingrid Veninger. She seems to be a bit actor in Canada turning to indie filmmaking. There is an interesting voice being used. The two young actresses have the presence and the connection. There are limitations. The story does hold back from the most dangerous possibilities. During the climatic action sequence, the filming lets down the needed thrills for intensity. It takes some interesting moves but this is still very much an indie.

Low key and understated, but the emotions and the situations so intensely charged....

Film Review: Porcupine Lake. Director, Producer, Writer (here) and actress Ingrid Veninger proves she clearly has a pulse on the youth coming of age summer experience. Bea (Charlotte Salisbury - a young version of Helen Hunt) finds herself in Northern Ontario, as her mom Ally (Delphine Roussel "Almost Adults" 2016) reluctantly agrees to meet and work at her out of town dad Scotty's (Christopher Bolton "Rent-like-a-Golie" TV) roadside cafe. Enter local rambunctious and fast-talking fellow youth Kate (Lucinda Armstrong Hall "Neighborhoods" TV), who befriends Bea and quickly becomes her friend, confidant and summer attraction. Surrounded by preoccupied parents, and a slue of stereotypical small town folk (including the terrific facial expression given by gay boy Emile "Maxime Robin Tom Clancy's Jace Ryan" 2018), the girls find ice cream, candy, knick-knack selling and experimentation easy to come by. Veninger's quiet back woods Ontario setting provides the girls a carefree and safe setting to observe and do as they please. What works here is that while the setting is without confrontation, there is an underlining energy that all can feel, yet no one is willing and/or able to address. Salisbury and Armstrong Hall are like two little "Thelma & Louise," unafraid of what lies ahead, yet cautious as to what each day has to offer. Running at about 1 1/2 hours, the films pace will lose many. DVD/VOV release: August 14, 2018

Not a single character in the entire movie is likeable. 1 star feeling sad for the hard work the movie makers did and 1 star for the dog. Only the dog can be watched in the entire movie. Please put a story when you make a movie next time.

It's easy to classify this as a coming-of-age film but I think it is more than that. There is the exploration of life theme, of course, but there are other angles: the influence of different cultural backgrounds, different family relationships, the ups and downs of life. It is also a beautifully crafted film made with great sensitivity. It's only now, after having seen the film, that I fully realise that all the people in in were actors. The acting was of a very high standard. Pity about the reviewer who couldn't find the film and then gave it only one star. Must have been having a bad day!

Beautiful and surprising coming of age film. Authentic to the core. I had the pleasure of seeing the premier of this film at TIFF 2017, and the entire cast and creative team and crew were present for the Q&A. The sense of family and heart and generosity, led by director Ingrid Veninger, during the Q&A was felt throughout the entire film.

A film that delicately reminds us of that small window of innocence and the weeks leading to a new and more courageous way of being in the world no matter the chaos or uncertainty around us. Inner strength shines through these two young girls in stellar performances. The film transports you to another place and time in Canada and in your soul....that precious time before that first kiss that changes everything forever. Music by Zeus is subtle and adds to the films ability to take you back in time.

This coming of age film felt so completely honest and genuine. The two young leads are fantastic. Every character choice felt believable, compelling and never quite predictable. Even though so many aspects of this genre can feel cliché, this movie still manages to feel original at every turn. A true joy to watch!