Love and Human Remains

Love and Human Remains is a film that adeptly reflects a profound exploration of human relationships, interwoven with the themes of love, sexuality, and identity. This intense dramatic comedy, directed by Denys Arcand in 1993, features notable performances from Thomas Gibson, Ruth Marshall, and Cameron Bancroft.

The movie revolves around the interconnected lives of seven young people in the city. At the heart of these characters are two roommates, whose intriguing relationship provides an insightful depth to the narrative. Actor Thomas Gibson, known for his work on 'Criminal Minds' and 'Dharma & Greg', portrays the character of David, a former actor who is openly gay. David shares his apartment with his best friend Candy, played by Ruth Marshall, who is known for her role in ‘Flashpoint’. Candy is unsure about her sexual orientation and seems to be in a constant state of emotional turmoil.

As the story unfolds, the audience is introduced to a series of other complex characters. There’s Bernie (Cameron Bancroft), David’s high school buddy who’s working as a civil servant while battling a storm of violent tendencies. Then there is Robert (Joel Keller), a book reviewer who harbors a longing crush on Candy, and Benita (Mia Kirshner), who is a dominatrix by profession and happens to be a trusted confidante for numerous characters.

Interacting against the backdrop of the city, these characters confront their deepest fears and desires, exploring the full spectrum of human emotions and entangling themselves in an intricate web of relationships. Both, their personal dilemmas and their collective struggles, shape the narrative, providing a multi-faceted picture of human existence in a complex, urban setting.

The narrative delicately navigates through the themes of friendship, love, sexual orientation and identity. Denys Arcand's direction adds an introspective touch, handling the characters with sensitivity, making their emotions and experiences relatable for the viewers. Arcand lays down the foundation for a story, in which every character is free to choose the nature of their relationships, urging them to transcend the traditional boundaries of love and friendship.

Thomas Gibson's performance as David is impressive. Gibson brings out the complexities of his character, portraying the ex-soap opera star’s struggle with his career and his feelings with authenticity. Ruth Marshall’s portrayal of Candy, as a woman grappling with her sexual identity, is dynamic and raw. Her performance brings out the character’s vulnerability, making the viewers empathize with her on her quest for self-discovery.

Cameron Bancroft’s turn as Bernie is significant as well. His character as a friend who has lost his way and resorts to destructive behavior is portrayed convincingly. Also worth noting is the performance of Mia Kirshner, whose character, Benita, despite her unconventional profession, is someone with whom the rest of the characters find solace and comfort, creating a stark contrast and an interesting layer in the narrative.

While Love and Human Remains is essentially a character-driven story revolving around their relationships, the plot takes a dramatic turn when a suspenseful storyline creeps in – a serial killer is on the loose in the city. How this shakes up the lives of the characters and how they deal with this menacing reality add another dimension to the narrative.

Visually, the film does an excellent job in capturing the ambiance of the city, thereby mirroring the characters' emotional landscapes. The screenplay by Brad Fraser, who adapted it from his own play ‘Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love’, integrates humor and poignant dialogues effectively, preventing the narrative from becoming too heavy despite its serious themes.

Even though the film is set in the 90s, the themes explored in Love and Human Remains carry a timeless relevance, making it a compelling watch even today. Overall, Love and Human Remains delivers a poignant, often provocative, exploration of human connections, identity, and the quest for personal happiness in an unpredictable world. The film offers food for thought, leaving one to contemplate the complexities of our relationships and our shared human existence.