Borealis

Borealis is a 2015 Canadian drama-comedy film, directed by Sean Garrity. The film is a quirky blend of humor, drama, and adventure. Brought to life by a strong script penned by Jonas Chernick, the film tells a captivating tale about a troubled father-daughter relationship, against a backdrop of stunning Arctic landscapes, betting dens, and the grubby reality of life at the bottom of the social ladder. Central to the plot are issues around growing up, confronting the past, taking up responsibilities, and surprising twists for its characters.

The film stars Jonas Chernick as Jonah Finn, a down-on-his-luck poker player with a myriad of problems. He is a compulsive gambler whose exploits have pulled him down into the grungy depths of debt. His tumultuous life spirals out of control even more when he finds himself in a dangerous situation after failing to pay his debt to Tubby Finkelman, a local criminal played convincingly by Kevin Pollak.

Further deepening the complexity of Jonah's life is his relationship with his teenage daughter, Aurora, played endearingly by Joey King. Aurora is feisty, unpredictable, and slowly losing her sight due to a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa. Her deteriorating vision adds a painful and emotional layer to the narrative. Aurora's character is well-rounded. King's portrayal is sincere, bringing out Aurora's vulnerability, strength, humor, and anxiety about her impending blindness.

Emily Hampshire features as Kyla, adding another interesting layer to the cast. Jonah and Aurora cross paths with her in the most unlikely circumstances. Kyla's role is pivotal in the narrative and she delivers a captivating performance to help shift the dynamics of the film.

Borealis is primarily a road trip film. After Jonah and Aurora's lives become more complicated in Winnipeg, they escape on an unplanned journey across Manitoba towards Churchill, known for its breathtaking views of the Northern lights, or the Aurora Borealis. The journey allows the duo to mend their strained relationship and find a renewed understanding of each other. The audience gets a thorough view of their relationship – a blend of resentment, love, disappointment, and concern. Their journey enables them to escape from their problems for a while, causing them to focus more on each other and how to navigate their complicated relationship.

The film's breathtaking cinematography deserves special mention. Through a gritty depiction of Canadian landscapes, the film transports the audience through the country's dramatic ice fields, barren wilderness, and rural life. The surreal beauty of the Northern Lights forms a striking backdrop, symbolizing hope and mirroring the developing relationship between the father and daughter.

Borealis also delves into a contemplation of coping with trauma and loss, expressed through Aurora's failing vision. The film respectfully handles the exploration of visual impairment, emphasizing the emotional and psychological impacts on the individual and those around them. The narrative strongly revolves around Jonah's desperate efforts to show the Northern Lights to Aurora before her vision completely fades. This adds emotional heft to the narrative.

Sean Garrity's direction stands out in Borealis. The narrative is ingeniously written by Chernick, blending humor, intense drama, and poignant emotions. The dialogues are loaded with dark humor and wit, adding a realistic touch to the narrative. The director also remarkably encapsulates the gritty reality of gambling dens, illuminating the darker side of society within the humor and adventure.

Finally, the music score complements the highs and lows of the movie, enhancing the emotions in pivotal scenes. Coupled with top-notch performances from the cast, Borealis is a touching tale of love, fear, and courage that will tug at your heartstrings while also making you smile.

Borealis is an under-stated gem. It is a film that knows when to laugh at itself and when to take itself seriously. Highly recommended for people who enjoy offbeat narratives with adventurous undertones and emotional arcs.