Bones of Crows (2022)

When a movie can so acutely tap into ver powerful and difficult emotions surrounding those who suffered at the hands of true human evil, those movies can resonate for survivors and for the greater culture that history (and present) is a part of. From Schindler's List to 12 Years a Slave, art like this has played an important role in our healing, our accountability, and our humanity. We can add Bones of Crows to that list, and unflinching and deeply personal look at the story of a survivor of Canada's residential school system. 

As I understand it the film is a fictional narrative but tied very closely to the real lived experiences of many, especially the family members of film maker Clements. She has crafted an incredibly beautiful film which pulls no punches and is powerfully honest in its depictions of the real life horrors experienced by so many. After this and her last film Red Snow, she has become one of my favourite working directors. 

Her cast is incredible, especially the actors playing the lead character Aline over the decades of her life. She has found a wealth of talent to collaborate with here and it shows as the film just truly overcomes you both with an overwhelming force of the horrific events it spells out, but a powerful triumph of hope and optimism for the future. Bones of Crows is a remarkable film that should not be missed. 

Bones of Crows

Starring: Grace Dove, Phillip Lewitski, Rémy Girard, Karine Vanasse, Michelle Thrush, Glen Gould, Gail Maurice, Cara Gee, Joshua Odjick

Writer/Director: Marie Clements