Away from Everywhere

Away From Everywhere is a 2016 Canadian drama movie directed by Justin Simms and based on Chad Pelley's award-winning novel of the same title. With compelling performances from Shawn Doyle, Jason Priestley, and Joanne Kelly, the story is a visceral exploration of humanity, blood ties, tragedy, romance, and the complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships.

The narrative pivots around two brothers, Owen (Shawn Doyle) and Alex (Jason Priestley), who, despite being polar opposites, share a profound bond complicated by an ignominious past that follows them like a lurking shadow. The film adeptly navigates the labyrinth of emotional turmoil, personal estrangements, age-old resentments and the labyrinth of love, loss and redemption.

Shying away from conventional storytelling, the film dips into the deep sea of literary adaptation, creating an atmosphere of ambiguity interspersed with unexpected humor. This allows the audience to engage in constant reflection, often prompting them towards introspection. The movie unfolds through a constant shuffle between past and present, which provides viewers with slices of the bothers' history and how it shapes their current lives.

Shawn Doyle's character, Owen, is an ex-alcoholic battling his inner demons while trying to turn over a new leaf as a writer. He portrays his character's struggles and inhabited loneliness with a degree of realism that offers spectators an intimate glimpse into Owen's world. Owen’s dark past and constant struggle with addiction create a layered character that Doyle brings to life with nuanced subtleness.

Opposite Doyle, Jason Priestley, playing the charismatic, yet troubled Alex, shows his capacities with a role that demands a near-constant oscillation between seemingly contrasting sentiments. He effortlessly shifts between being an understanding brother, an estranged spouse, and a man dogged by his personal failures. Priestley's character is equally burdened by a dark past, but contrary to his brother, he deals with it with quiet acceptance rather than active conflict.

Completing the central trio is Joanne Kelly, who brings in an entirely different yet no less potent perspective. She plays the recurring woman in their lives, effectively adding a third dimension to the nick and cranny of a sibling plot. Her character reveals an entirely new side to the brothers’ dynamics and presents her own set of tragedies and triumphs. Her performance as a resolute woman in the face of crisis is admirable and evokes an emotional response, which intertwines perfectly with the overall mood of the film.

The film capitalizes on Newfoundland's natural beauty to support the narrative, with its scenic coastlines and landscapes playing an essential role in the storytelling process. Away from Everywhere explores the often unsettling silences shared between its characters, underlined by scintillating cinematography and a powerful score.

However, it is not just the compelling performances and arresting visuals that make Away From Everywhere a noteworthy film; it is the narrative’s underlying exploration of humanity's fragilities and vulnerabilities that stumps the viewers. It forces them to ask hard questions, confront uncomfortable truths, and negotiate the maze of desires, expectations, and heartbreaks that guide human lives.

Shot with a staggering intensity, the film captures the essence of the human spirit, strained relationships, disappointments, and regrets as much as it mirrors moments of calm, happiness, and love. It never shies from shedding light on how intertwined the brothers' lives are, irrespective of the years and distances that stretch between them.

While the film’s pacing might seem deliberately slow to some, it is undeniably consistent with its introspective nature, allowing viewers to absorb the emotional complexities the narrative wants to weave. The screenplay embraces the layered structure of the novel, condensing it to fit the screen without compromising its intricacies. Above everything, Away from Everywhere is a profound study of relationships, discourses on love, and ultimately, a tale of unconditional redemption. It's a hauntingly beautiful film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

With a cast delivering exceptionally realistic performances and a narrative that pulls at the heartstrings, Away From Everywhere provides an immersive cinematic experience for those who appreciate introspective tales that dig deep into human relationships and personal struggles. It is a tear-jerking drama that leaves its viewers deep in contemplation and questioning the multifaceted nature of human connections.