Happy Canada Day! While some choose to head out and enjoy celebrations with friends and family, others may opt for the quiet pleasure of watching movies from the comfort of their own home. Oh, and lucky them, I have a few suggestions!
This list comprises critically acclaimed and beloved films written and directed by Canadian writers and filmmakers, featuring notable Canadian talent on screen. By no means is this list of 10 films definitive, nor does it capture the wide array of voices, themes and styles that Canadian filmmakers have to offer. This is a selection of recent (ish) releases that have stood out and are easily accessible to watch right now. Enjoy!
The Queen of My Dreams
Shut Up & Colour Pictures)
As a long-time fan of Fawzia Mirza’s work, watching The Queen of My Dreams felt like a dream come true. It is incredibly emotional, heartfelt, authentic and genuinely entertaining. The Queen of My Dreams is, situationally, a sincere love letter to a vibrant culture and a genuine exploration of familial bonds strained by a generational divide. It’s a special film, and only the beginning of Mirza’s rise as a hot talent behind the camera.
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream The Queen of My Dreams on Crave. American audiences can see the film in theatres now.
Beans
EMA Films | Mongrel Media)
Tracey Deer delves into her personal history to tell the story of a young girl’s experience during the Oka Crisis at Kanesatake in 1990. The semi-autobiographical film is one of many vital projects that directly speak to the Indigenous crisis in Canada, a colonized land. Deer tells a profoundly moving coming-of-age story that draws a connection between land acknowledgement and identity, and to tell that story, she enlisted rising star Kiawentiio.
Outside of traditional physical media, Beans is available to stream on CBC Gem in Canada.
40 Acres
Danielle Deadwyler had an incredible year, and she is gaining more and more momentum. Her latest star vehicle, 40 Acres, is set to release in theatres this week! 40 Acres from R.T. Thorne’s tells the story of a descendant of Black farmers in Canada who must get her family ready to stand against an impending attack in a post-apocalyptic future. Deadwyler leads an impressive cast, which features Michael Greyeyes and Kateem O’Connor in Thorne’s thrilling and impactful feature debut. Much like Blood Quantum and Sinners, 40 Acres takes conventions of the speculative fiction subgenre to tell a meaningful story of resilience, culture and family.
Check your local theatre listings for showtimes.
Turning Red
Technically, Turning Red is not a Canadian film, but it was written and directed by Domee Shi, so yes, we are claiming it. Turning Red is a delight, an endearing story about a mother-daughter relationship, told through the eyes of the immensely relatable and lovable Mei. The film is just a joyous yet emotionally satisfying adventure. The visuals are vibrant, the animation style is adorable, and the music is top-notch!
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream Turning Red on Disney+.
Double Happiness
Can’t have a list about great Canadian films without shouting out Queen Sandra Oh! Double Happiness was a landmark film for two main reasons: it was the first film from a Chinese Canadian woman (Mina Shum) to receive a wide release, and it marked Oh’s feature film debut. The film is incredibly charming and is a testament to Oh’s capabilities as an actress. It is endearing and enduring, and worth watching after all these years to see how far Shum and Oh have come as artists and people, making their recent reunion, as seen in 2017’s Meditation Park, that much more meaningful.
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream Double Happiness on Prime Video or Paramount+. American audiences can stream the movie on Prime Video or Roku Channel.
Blood Quantum
I’ve been thinking a lot about Blood Quantum recently, thanks to Sinners. Everyone likes a classic monster horror flick, but there is something especially fulfilling about stories like this being infused with cultural resonance. Blood Quantum takes the zombie genre and explores themes of identity and community through the perspective of the Indigenous community. It is equally thrilling as it is contemplative. Funny and sad, and with a heavy heart, I have to say it is a fine example of what Jeff Barnaby was capable of as a filmmaker and storyteller. Blood Quantum is the kind of film that leaves you wanting more from its world and characters.
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream Blood Quantum on Crave. American audiences can stream the movie on AMC+ or hoopla
I Like Movies
Chandler Levack is a rising new star thanks to her feature film debut, I Like Movies. Loosely based on her own experiences, the film is a poignant and endearing nostalgia trip. A sweet, funny, and moving tale about a young cinephile who represents many of us: though most of us would like to forget our awkward teenage years, Levack embraces them and overcomes hers with an honest take on the pros and cons of living through movies.
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream I Like Movies on Netflix or hoopla. American audiences can stream the movie on Prime Video, Kanopy and hoopla.
Brother
Based on the novel of the same name, Brother tells the story of two brothers navigating manhood in very different ways and from distinct perspectives. It is a stunning feature from Clement Virgo, delving into a well of emotion through brilliant visuals and profoundly moving performances from Lamar Johnson and Aaron Pierre. There is a loving embrace of Scarborough, but the film portrays universal themes and experiences. While the film’s length is daunting, it is well worth the experience, especially for those invested in Pierre as a rising star.
Outside of traditional physical media, Brother is not on any streaming platforms but can be rented online. American audiences can stream the movie on Netflix or Kanopy.
The Grizzlies
The Grizzlies is not for those with a weak heart. The film is intensely emotional due to the central subject matter, which is dark and upsetting. Although the film harbours a lot of love and sincere hope for the communities in Nunavut and the Northern Territories in general, it hits harder post-release due to the terrible loss of actress Emerald MacDonald. Both on and off screen, the film speaks to issues regarding youth suicide, disenfranchisement, youth alcoholism and abuse towards Indigenous women. Despite criticism of its white saviour narrative, the film wholeheartedly takes its cues from the Inuit community, giving them a platform and space to speak their truth and find joy. Great effort went into it to cater to the Inuit perspective and discover fresh new faces like Anna Lambe. The Grizzlies are incredibly effective, at times hard to watch, but enjoyable and heartwarming.
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream The Grizzlies on Netflix, hoopla and Pluto TV.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person
The title, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person, is reason enough to watch this film. Ariane Louis-Seize’s dark comedy is a charming, stylish, and well-acted film that caters to fans of vampire stories. The concept of this film is unique, but it is the perfect foundation for a series adaptation or a book series. Aesthetically and narratively, the film is ideal for those who enjoy The Addams Family or gothic and macabre tales. There are only so many ways a teen vampire story can go, usually opting to frame vampires as these sexy, mildly toxic love interests. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is an endearing, quirky diversion from the status quo.
Outside of traditional physical media, you can stream Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person on Crave or My Film Friend. American audiences can stream the movie on AMC+ or Kanopy.
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