The Company of Strangers

The Company of Strangers takes its audience on a poignantly touching journey of friendship, survival, and self-realization. This captivating exploration of the human spirit is a cinematic gem from 1990, directed by Cynthia Scott and starring Alice Diabo, Constance Garneau, and Beth Webber, among an all-female septuagenarian cast. This movie is a rich and resonant work that delves into the depth of shared human experiences, inter-generational relations, and the sheer resilience of the will to thrive despite daunting circumstances.

The film unfolds initially with a group of seven women embarking on a bus trip into the countryside, each of them unique in their individuality and possessing a lifetime of experiences. Somehow, fate pushes these women of various backgrounds, cities, personalities, and stories into a precarious situation as their bus breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Stranded far from civilization, they are forced to rely on each other's resources, strengths, and wits, braving the adversities of nature and time.

What follows is a vibrant and moving exploration of their collective and individual narratives, as they pass the time while awaiting rescue. This ensemble of dynamic women includes a former television actress, a nurse, an opera singer, a socially conscious nun, and an Indigenous woman, who is portrayed by Alice Diabo. Constance Garneau plays an urban dweller unfamiliar with the pitfalls and strengths of nature, while Beth Webber imbues the screen with a delightfully quirky character.

Through a unique combination of documentary and dramatic storytelling, Scott beautifully elucidates the complexities of the aging process. The film magnificently showcases the progression and revelation of character dynamics. The personalities of the important characters — fascinating, layered, and diverse — begin to emerge and sparkle as they interact with each other.

As the audience, we witness these characters imbued vibrantly by Diabo, Garneau, and Webber unfold their shared interaction with natural and emotional landscapes. The women reminisce, confide, and banter, revealing past struggles, failures, achievements, and their profound understanding of life, creating profound and yet subtle impressions. The narration is an intense portrayal of camaraderie amidst adversity, taking unexpected turns, unraveling the strength of character and heartwarming connections among this eclectic group of elderly women.

The strength of the film lays in its heartening portrayal of the female spirit, binding together the women as a community. This is not a dramatic tale of survival against the odds but instead a gently-paced, meditative exploration of relationship dynamics, human nature, and personal identity in the face of life's obstacles.

To classify The Company of Strangers into a genre might prove to be complicated. It beautifully interweaves elements of drama with touching moments of comedy. It may also be perceived as a social commentary, an ordinary tale told in an extraordinary rendition, or rather a life portrayal of individuals who might have been underrepresented or misunderstood for their age and gender. The gentle wilderness that surrounds the ladies provides a soothing backdrop giving the movie an ethereal touch.

The director's choice to cast non-professional actors who improvised much of their dialogue based on their life experiences adds an additional layer of authentic charm that is quite palpable to the audience. The characters are very real, and their stories move us with their brave acceptance of life as it comes. Their witty humor, solidarity, and insightful perspectives on life are as endearing as they are engaging.

Director Cynthia Scott was widely applauded for the profound truths she paints through this seemingly simple yet deeply relatable narrative. A movie that kicks off as a cheerful outing slowly but surely morphs into a beautiful study of human spirit, resilience, and shared destiny.

The Company of Strangers, beyond its captivating narrative, vibrant acts, and beautifully filmed settings, delivers a message of genuine human connection, resilience, and the power of shared experiences. Indeed, this film is a remarkable exploration of the human spirit in its most compelling form.