Three young men from a dysfunctional family background reunite in Malpeque, Prince Edward Island dredging up unresolved issues from the past. Jordie is a semi-pro hockey player who got fired from his team, presumably for fighting, and returns aimlessly to his hometown. He is the prodigal son with anger and resentment issues that have eaten away at his adult self. Jordie meets his brothers Nicky and Noah, and an ailing alcoholic father, who abused the family growing up. His brothers seem to have made more peace with their shared past, but Jordie just can’t seem to move on.

The performances ring true, and the film captures the local colour of the community with a rich and observant eye. The cinematography reveals the truly breath-taking beauty of PEI. A morning shot of lobster fishing boats taking off into the fiery rising sun, as loved ones wave them off in silhouette on the shore, is simply breathtaking. It is a classic tourist image of everything we hold as quaint and beautiful about the Maritimes, and it places the characters within a very specific dramatic setting. A very accomplished first feature from writer/director, Susan Rodgers.

“The characters are rich, their interactions human. And the film, in many ways, insightful…It will make waves. And if you’re not ready, your heart is going to be swallowed up in its undertow. 4/5 stars.” Jordan Parker, Parker and the Picture Shows