Once Upon a River

Once Upon a River is a mesmerizing 2019 drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Bonnie Jo Campbell. It's a coming-of-age story, skillfully directed by Haroula Rose in her debut feature film. deeply rooted in nature and the solemn beauty of rural America, it highlights the journey of a young Native American girl in her quest to find her estranged mother. The film's central figure is Margo Crane, stunningly played by newcomer Kenadi DelaCerna, whose performance radiates resilience, determination, and strength that command respect and admiration from viewers.

Set against the rustic, expansive backdrop of rural Michigan, Margo's world is the rivers that meander through the thick forests. It's the 1970s: a time when life was simple, yet complicated by societal norms and expectations, and Margo, a 15-year-old part Native American girl, is forced to navigate through it all. From the onset, the film exhibits the teenager's fierce independence, adept survival skills, and an uncanny sharpshooting ability - traits she gleaned from her father.

Margo lives with her father, after her mother abandoned them. However, a turning point event, shrouded with sorrow and despair, propels her into a solo journey navigating the Stark River in her boat. Margo's journey through the labyrinth of rivers symbolizes escape, confrontation, reflection, and discovery.

Performances in the movie are worth noting. John Ashton, known for his roles in films like Beverly Hills Cop, portrays the atypical character of Smoke, a river-dwelling loner with a complicated past. His interactions with Margo are brilliantly executed, offering brief moments of respite in Margo's onerous journey. Tatanka Means, an award-winning Native American actor, played the character of Billy, a constructive and amicable influence in Margo's life, giving a taste of warmth and compassion.

The film masterfully intersperses elements of nostalgia, hardship, and finding one's identity into a narrative that keeps the audience hooked until the very end. The attention to detail in setting and character development is commendable. Haroula Rose has truly brought Bonnie Jo Campbell's novel to life, allowing the melancholic beauty of the landscapes, the river's calmness, and the wilderness's rawness to weave into the narrative naturally.

Coming of age against a backdrop of tragedy and abandonment, Margo's journey is punctuated by her encounters along the river, which reiterate the themes of loss, desperation, hope, and survival, illuminating her gritty maturity over time. In her quest to find her mother, her journey evolves from the physical to a profound exploration of self-awareness and identity.

The film's cinematography paints an authentic picture of life in rural America in the 70s, with its naturalistic grace and overwhelming sense of freedom and confinement. Alongside, Margo's character development is drawn parallely, showing her resilience that embodies her courageous yet vulnerable spirit.

The movie’s musical score is another high point, augmenting the measured pace of the plot progression impeccably. The original scores by acclaimed artists Zachary Dawes, Nick Waterhouse, and Haroula Rose themselves further contribute to the tonal palette of the film by echoing the storyline’s bittersweet, harrowing, and somber moments.

Once Upon a River is undoubtedly a tribute to the human spirit, revealing that finding oneself often requires one to brave unforeseen trials and tribulations. Essentially, it's about symmetry, between Margo Crane's character, her journey, and the raw, unhinged beauty of nature that encapsulates her life.

With its enchanting storytelling and profound performances, Once Upon a River is an enthralling cinematic experience that beautifully juxtaposes the innocence, hope, and resilience of a young girl against a backdrop of adversity and an unforgiving natural canvas. It is as much about finding oneself as it is about survival and serves as a hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotive narrative of human strength, courage, and persistence.