- Awards
- 1 nomination
Photos
Robert Di Loreto
- Paul
- (as Rob Diloreto)
Tadhg McMahon
- James
- (as Tadhg MacMahon)
J. Louis Reid
- Maurice
- (as Jim Reid)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Featured review
A well made suspense film with a message
The Descendant is a tense and surprising film about a part of Canadian history few people know about. It is not gory or superficial, but instead deals with a topic never before considered in Canadian film. It's supported by the familiar pattern of a suspense plot: a young man from Montreal goes to his grandparents' farm in rural Quebec to learn more about his mother's life, but discovers unpleasant truths about his family and the history of the area.
I've seen the film twice, once at the Fantasia Film Festival, and once at a screening at the National Film Board. One viewing is sufficient to get the basic story, but the film is subtle enough to reward another. Director Philippe Spurrell has included interesting camera shots and soundtrack motifs, along with great music found on old 78 records, to satisfy a critical audience. The actors portraying the aging villains are especially enjoyable to watch, with their sidelong glances and raised clenched fists.
The Descendant is good not only because of its tactful presentation of a shameful part of Canadian history, but also because it is a well made, well paced suspense film.
I've seen the film twice, once at the Fantasia Film Festival, and once at a screening at the National Film Board. One viewing is sufficient to get the basic story, but the film is subtle enough to reward another. Director Philippe Spurrell has included interesting camera shots and soundtrack motifs, along with great music found on old 78 records, to satisfy a critical audience. The actors portraying the aging villains are especially enjoyable to watch, with their sidelong glances and raised clenched fists.
The Descendant is good not only because of its tactful presentation of a shameful part of Canadian history, but also because it is a well made, well paced suspense film.
helpful•142
- samsamfraser
- May 24, 2007
Details
Box office
- Budget
- CA$500,000 (estimated)
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