I’m a huge fan and advocate of Canadian coming-of-age films; C.R.A.Z.Y. is one of the best, and last year’s Victoria Day was probably my favorite screening of the whole festival. However, I’ve got one beef with them: where’s the girl power? Generally, the protagonist is a young man battling with puberty, peers, pretty girls, and parents. Gosh, wouldn’t it be fresh to see a film that gives the feminine perspective of growing up and all it’s complications? Well, as luck would have it, the film Daydream Nation takes a dark and daring chance, centering it’s racy narrative around female teen Caroline Wexler as she ruffles feathers in her small, Canadian hometown.
I won’t give away too many plot points, suffice it to say that Daydream Nation, directed by Michael Goldbach, is a innovative re-working of the dramatic teenage films we’ve all grown to know and love. I’ve got my ticket, and can’t wait to see if Caroline can navigate the turbulent waters of adolescent angst as effectively as her more popular male counterparts. If the theatrical trailer is any indication of this film’s potential, I’m sure Ms. Wexler will do just fine. Check it out below:
Daydream Nation plays Saturday, October 2nd, at Eau Claire #2 at 5:00PM. Get your tickets at the CIFF box office location, or online. It’s true that our country makes great films - let's get out there and support them so that creative Canucks like Mr. Goldbach can keep them coming.
