Kim Nguyen, Canada 2016

Director Kim Nguyen presents a tragic love story with a sensible talking polar bear set in the frozen tundra of Nunavut, a territory in northeastern Canada. Lucy (Tatiana Maslany, known for playing clones in Orphan Black) and Roman (Dane DeHaan) are in love but have quite different plans. Lucy wants to travel south to attend university. Roman has no intention of going south ever again. When he learns that Lucy will leave, must leave for her own sanity, he goes on a drinking binge barricading himself inside his home with liquor and a firearm. The local cop helps Roman out by calling for backup, which in such circumstances is a case of beer. Later heated words are exchanged between Lucy and Roman but finally, they reconcile and decide to face their demons together. They ride their snowmobiles south to the freedom of a new life, gliding endless miles across beautiful hills and valleys of pure white snow glistening in the sun. They come across another snowmobile whose driver warns them of an upcoming storm. He tells them about an abandoned military post for refuge. Unfortunately, Lucy finds her demon there, buried under the frozen earth. But Roman comes to her rescue and their adventure lasts forever, frozen in time with only the wise polar bear to bear witness. With all around terrific performances, especially the bear, this film will warm your heart. (MW)