Although functional in her job as a Toronto librarian, Miriam can't fully engage with the world due to grief over the loss of her father. Through repeated references to the opera Rigoletto, the film hints he may have been over-protective of his daughter, even as enigmatic and somewhat sinister notes left in the library suggest Miriam may have a stalker.
The narrative builds slowly, showing some of the library's quirky daily routines which contrast nicely with strong emotions running under the surface. Miriam begins to broaden her experience of life when she starts hanging out with Janko, a Slovenian who drives a taxi to subsidize his artistic aspirations. Britt Lower and Tom Mercier do excellent work in the lead roles, providing Miriam and Janko with some amiable traits and making their relationship credible. Miriam's journey is observed through beautifully composed images and largely static camerawork as directing, screenwriting, acting and cinematography combine to give director Naomi Jaye's film the sensibility of a visual poem.
The narrative builds slowly, showing some of the library's quirky daily routines which contrast nicely with strong emotions running under the surface. Miriam begins to broaden her experience of life when she starts hanging out with Janko, a Slovenian who drives a taxi to subsidize his artistic aspirations. Britt Lower and Tom Mercier do excellent work in the lead roles, providing Miriam and Janko with some amiable traits and making their relationship credible. Miriam's journey is observed through beautifully composed images and largely static camerawork as directing, screenwriting, acting and cinematography combine to give director Naomi Jaye's film the sensibility of a visual poem.