2016 * R * 1h 33m I love indie flicks like this. It's a slow-moving drama that's set in the Arctic Circle in Canada. As you'd expect, the scenery is absolutely stunning. The story is a simple one. And the acting is quite good.
Lia (Devery Jacobs) is sent up north to spend time with her Gwich'in grandmother. Her mother passed away and her father feels he just can't handle her. Lia is a jaded city girl and soon gets bored with life in the sleepy Arctic community. She longs for the city and soon runs away. Lia has no idea how to survive in the wilderness and when she runs into Alfred (Duane Howard), a First Nation older gentleman, he takes her under his wing. He's a hunter in search of a legendary caribou herd that hasn't been seen in a while. The two form a special friendship and he's a philosopher and shares his knowledge freely. He's very low keyed, and when he philosophizes, he reminds me a little of Chief Dan George if you remember him. He's almost Buddha-like in his approach to life.
While searching for the herd, Alfred is severely injured after being mauled by a bear. It's at this point where Lia rises to the occasion. She has to act quickly or Alfred could die. The outcome was fairly predictable, but I enjoyed it none the less. It's just a great little flick almost no one has ever heard of.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla.com (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Plex, and to rent on Prime Video.
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