MARION BRIDGE -- Wiebke von Carolsfeld, dir

©2003
studio: Film Movement
dir: Wiebke von Carolsfeld
cast: Molly Parker, Ellen Page, Stacey Smith, Marguerite McNeil, Hollis McLaren, Joseph Rutten
screenplay: Daniel MacIvor

Short Film: BETTER OR WORSE? by Jocelyn Cammack

The story of three sisters paralyzed by family secrets. In the midst of struggling to overcome her self-destructive behaviour, the youngest sister, Agnes, returns home determined to confront the past in a community built on avoiding it. Her quest sets in motion a chain of events that allows the sisters each in their own way to re-connect with the world and one another. [from FilmMovement.com]

#####

It took me a little while to get into this film, but once I did, I really enjoyed the journey.

First off, I never really understood the leading woman's place in the family. Was she the oldest daughter? The youngest? A middle child? The description bills her as the youngest, and yet she certainly doesn't appear or act that way. The oldest? It would make the most sense, but again, she doesn't act in such a way.

The relationship with the dying mother is odd. It never resolves, and it never strikes anyone as strange that the daughter had been gone.

The mystery of the young girl is good. It had me wondering for quite some time as to who she was.

The resolution with the father was good. Very appropriate, even though we never feel fully vindicated.

A good movie, and worth sticking it through.