Reel Alternatives, Huntsville’s connection to the TIFF Film Circuit returns from a bit of a spring break with the screening of Better Days on Monday, April 29th at the Algonquin Theatre. The film is an unlikely comedy about a grieving widow starring Sonja Smits and is graciously sponsored by Carrie Campbell, a family lawyer and mediator based in Huntsville.
Broken by the loss of her husband of over 30 years, Kate (Sonja Smits) withdraws into a bottle of vodka—and her husband’s Halloween costumes. Feeling lost and alone, she soon befriends three local teenagers who are fascinated by her enthusiasm for dressing up. But, as she and her new friends bond, Kate’s family become increasingly concerned. Suddenly, Kate doesn’t seem like the woman they once knew, and they begin to demand that things go back to ‘normal,’ whatever that means.
According to the movie review site, Screenfish, “Better Days is a fascinating blend of contradictions that seamlessly blend together. In some moments, Days is irreverent, dark and genuinely hilarious. In others, it’s contemplative with a furious soul. Even so, this constant pivot between tones somehow feels… honest.
Much of the success of these Days is due to a remarkable performance by Smits as the grieving Kate. By leaning into the madness of the moment, Smits is absolutely on fire from beginning to end. While her feelings take on many forms, Kate’s struggle to survive her grief is far more than simply trying to cope with the sadness over her husband’s death. Instead, Better Days is as much about revival as it is about mourning. As she processes the overwhelming nature of her feelings, she starts to figure out what it means to begin again. Because, maybe, there actually are Better Days ahead.”
Tickets are available online at reelalternativeshuntsville.ca, at the door or by calling the Algonquin Theatre box office at 705-789-4975.
Now in its 24th season of bringing fine Canadian and international films to Huntsville, Reel Alternatives is a non-profit group working in partnership with the Algonquin Theatre to enrich the cultural experience of the community. Reel Alternatives Huntsville gratefully acknowledges their partnership with Film Circuit, presented by TIFF, and its sponsors and supporters.
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