Unnatural & Accidental

Unnatural & Accidental, a haunting and impactful 2006 movie, is part mystery, part drama, with strong undertones of discovery and self-identity. The movie is directed and written by Carl Bessai, who brings this moving tale to life with an in-depth exploration of indigenous women’s lives in Canada's modern urban landscape. The stellar performances by Tantoo Cardinal, Na'Ku'Set Shepherd, and Tinsel Korey set the tone for this emotionally charged narrative.

The movie chronicles the woeful journey of Rebecca (played by Carmen Moore), who returns to Vancouver, her place of birth, to uncover the mystery surrounding her mother's long-standing disappearance. Rebecca's mother, Shelly (played by Tantoo Cardinal), was among the many indigenous women who vanished from the Downtown Eastside of the Canadian City over the past 20 years. As Rebecca delves deeper into her mother's past, she finds herself faced with a path of self-discovery interwoven with the horror of her mother's fate.

Unnatural & Accidental firmly places indigenous women at the heart of the narrative, giving a voice to the frequently marginalized and overlooked inhabitants of a grim and gritty urban landscape. The movie unflinchingly showcases the raw, real, and often tragic lives of these women through its gritty vignettes of city life.

This is a multifaceted story, a tapestry of emotions and experiences that goes beyond a simple whodunit. It stands as a tribute to the lost women from marginalized communities whose tragic ends were often swept under the rug by society. Cardinal’s character, Shelly, embodies the spirit of these often overlooked individuals, emphasizing their humanity and unavoidable fragility under trying circumstances.

The film's mastery lies in its ability to blend surreal elements with the gritty reality. Unnatural & Accidental makes use of symbolic reflections, shadows and other artistic techniques to build a sense of tension and mystery. The somber cinematography and the evocative soundtrack further intensify the visual storytelling, using the cityscape itself as a tangible representation of the isolation and alienation these women endure.

The drama unfolds through a series of interviews conducted by Rebecca, whose character stands on the brink of despair. As she stumbles further into the underbelly of the city in search of her mother and clues to her disappearance, the audience is faced with the harsh reality of marginalised lives, exposing the scars carried by those forgotten by mainstream society.

It’s Tinsel Korey’s performance as Rose who provides some much-needed warmth in this rather bleak narrative. As one of the women who encounter the sinister stranger over the course of the film, Rose acts as a beacon of hope and resilience amidst the debris of despair, despite her vulnerabilities and struggles.

Na'Ku'Set Shepherd’s portrayal of the mysterious social worker adds another layer to the unfolding drama. Her character offers in-depth emotional context to the stories of the women Rebecca interviews, revealing the systemic faults that enable their exploitation and neglect.

In essence, Unnatural & Accidental is a film about lost souls and broken dreams, about the cry for justice from the shadows of society. It gives a voice to the voiceless while demanding justice for them, exposing an often unaddressed social issue with a mix of mystery and stark reality. It brilliantly juxtaposes the eerie with the ordinary, the surreal with the real, capturing a haunting reality that unnerves and deeply moves the viewer.

Unnatural & Accidental is no ordinary mystery drama. It uses the genre blends to delve into the social commentary, uncovering dark realities while leaving room for introspection and dialogue. This is a film that will challenge your perceptions, question your silence and sensitise you towards the layers of societal neglect often hidden beneath the glossy urban scape. It's a powerful cinematic experience that will stay with you, long after the end credits roll.