Ah, the Toronto International Film Festival is back in full swing. Today sees the world premieres of two Canadian films, “Do I Know You From Somewhere?” and “Seeds.”
Below we offer capsule reviews of each film. Follow The Movie Buff throughout the festival for continued coverage
‘Do I Know You From Somewhere?’ (Dir. Arianna Martinez)
“Do I Know You From Somewhere?” is the feature debut from New Brunswick filmmaker Arianna Martinez. From the first shots of the film, her sure-handed filmmaking draws you in. They are picturesque, mirrored shots of a lake going into each other, and then a horizontal mirrored shot of marshland. It’s immediately intriguing.
Her story concerns Olive (Caroline Bell) and her partner Benny (Ian Ottis Goff) as they spend a weekend at a lake house. We meet Olive looking for an anniversary present she can’t find anywhere; and Benny finding strange details in the home, like a bunny neither of them quite remember buying, to new fridge magnets.
As their memories lose the largest details, and even though their relationship is happy, there’s a puzzle piece not exactly fitting. Though the actors’ smiles as they pretend everything is fine despite random disappearances and losses of time, the actors are Martinez’ strongest asset to tell this story. Martinez also uses technical ways to show this unease; there’s a split-second cut where Benny makes the same movement walking away from the fridge. I chalk this up to Martinez tricking our brain into thinking something isn’t quite right, and not an editing misstep.
Strength in Intimacy
“Do I Know You From Somewhere?” finds strength in the intimacy the actors create. This is true especially when the couple recall the night they first met at a wedding. Benny is a server; Olive a drunk wedding guest. When they visit a new room away from the reception, a spotlight is perfectly positioned on them as they pace around the room. Benny guesses what Olive does for a living, and the banter feels light and improvised. These moments have the most whimsy in the picture and feel the most theatrical and intimate. It truly feels like we’re watching them on a stage.
This adds to the film’s charm, even when the film’s identity isn’t the clearest because it’s so anonymous in genre. It’s billed as “drama,” but teases dry comedy or light horror because of music stings. Even a bit of sneaky lo-fi sci-fi as we’re trying to figure out what’s going on. Whatever it is, it still entertains. It’s like an episode of “The Twilight Zone,” one where the first hour is full of intrigue; and the last 20 minutes still leaves you with questions.
It’s a film with a distinct feel that can only be created in Canadian film; a whimsy that feels comfortable and familiar. Much like Matthew Rankin’s oddball “The Twentieth Century,” this is such a unique film that you must recommend it so others can see what it has in store.
Grade: B-
‘Seeds’ (Dir. Kaniehtiio Horn)
As for “Seeds,” this is the feature directing debut from actress Kaniehtiio Horn, showcasing her writing and directing craft to create a story about a up-and-coming influencer Ziggy (Horn). A bike courier delivering food by day and living in a crummy Toronto apartment, Ziggy is this close to financial security when she is offered a lucrative deal with Nature Oath Seeds Corporation.
When she needs to return home to her reservation to house sit for her aunt, she’s warned by her cousin Wiz (a delightful and funny Dallas Goldtooth) that they’re the enemy. “They control the seed, to control the food, to control the people.” The film works as a cautionary tale that if a seed company comes at you with a bag of money to post a few times a week, beware.
Characters that Feel Real
Horn creates a fascinating character with Ziggy. When she first gets back home, she’s asking everyone, “Can I get a selfie with you?” She needs to get content, and through her character we see a commentary on social media. People act a certain way online, like when she films her videos with a smile and then immediately drops it when the camera is not rolling. Throughout the film as she spends more time at home and away from strong Internet connection, Horn showcases vulnerability, as she starts to feel like a real person again away from the traps of social media. The relationships within the people of the film are well-directed, with well-rounded characters because everyone feels real.
More importantly, too, is how the story weaves the land into the narrative, and the importance of everyone having access to food. As a thriller, “Seeds” is fun and taut, simplistic but it’s bursting with meaning. There’s hysterical moments here (especially ones with infused water), and tense moments, and by the end of the film you’ll be smiling, too.
Grade: B+
Both “Do I Know You From Somewhere” and “Seeds” had their world premieres on September 6, 2024 at TIFF, which runs from September 5th – September 15th. Follow us for more coverage.
