Porcupine Lake

This film was like walking back in time to the longest days of childhood summers. The detailed clues about small town life - from the plethora of business cards tacked on the bulletin board in the local snack shack, to the stickers covering plastic cereal containers at a chaotic breakfast table - have stayed with me. As someone who grew up always being the new girl, I identified with Bea (Charlotte Salisbury) as she tried to navigate and keep up with the rules of this place, dictated flawlessly by local girl Katie (Lucinda Armstrong Hall). Ingrid Veninger takes us on the beautifully heartbreaking ride of a very complicated friendship between two young girls on the verge of womanhood. Highly recommended.

Film Review: Porcupine Lake. Director, Producer, Writer (here) and actress Ingrid Veninger proves she clearly has a pulse on the youth coming of age summer experience. Bea (Charlotte Salisbury - a young version of Helen Hunt) finds herself in Northern Ontario, as her mom Ally (Delphine Roussel "Almost Adults" 2016) reluctantly agrees to meet and work at her out of town dad Scotty's (Christopher Bolton "Rent-like-a-Golie" TV) roadside cafe. Enter local rambunctious and fast-talking fellow youth Kate (Lucinda Armstrong Hall "Neighborhoods" TV), who befriends Bea and quickly becomes her friend, confidant and summer attraction. Surrounded by preoccupied parents, and a slue of stereotypical small town folk (including the terrific facial expression given by gay boy Emile "Maxime Robin Tom Clancy's Jace Ryan" 2018), the girls find ice cream, candy, knick-knack selling and experimentation easy to come by. Veninger's quiet back woods Ontario setting provides the girls a carefree and safe setting to observe and do as they please. What works here is that while the setting is without confrontation, there is an underlining energy that all can feel, yet no one is willing and/or able to address. Salisbury and Armstrong Hall are like two little "Thelma & Louise," unafraid of what lies ahead, yet cautious as to what each day has to offer. Running at about 1 1/2 hours, the films pace will lose many. DVD/VOV release: August 14, 2018

I will leave my first review beneath this review as it seems to take a couple of viewings. After all the hype one (me) expected too much. Considering the girls ages they both put on a class performances almost on par with more mature actors. We will see more of them. The story line is good, could have been better in places, some things not needed to be included. Stunning scenery. I have had several conversations with Ingrid Veninger and she was eager to promote her film well. Much appreciated and helped understand things.

Yes we all know what its about and that a few privileged people have seen it... and those on Air Canada flights. Its been released now 9 months and still not freely available to buy, rent pay or to view. When I tried to pay to view, I was told my credit card is not registered in UK so go away. When asked they said it will make more money being released little at a time... This I find had to work out as instead of being a Block Buster movie it will be relegated to the ranks of "has been" short movies on Youtube ... Questions must be asked.

Well I finally got to see it, very disappointing, the trailer contained all that was relevant in the movie. If you want to see a movie about this subject "The First Girl I Loved" and "The Truth About Jane" are 100 times better and more informative, plus they "flow" and easy to watch. Sorry but my score is still 1.

A film that delicately reminds us of that small window of innocence and the weeks leading to a new and more courageous way of being in the world no matter the chaos or uncertainty around us. Inner strength shines through these two young girls in stellar performances. The film transports you to another place and time in Canada and in your soul....that precious time before that first kiss that changes everything forever. Music by Zeus is subtle and adds to the films ability to take you back in time.

Not a single character in the entire movie is likeable. 1 star feeling sad for the hard work the movie makers did and 1 star for the dog. Only the dog can be watched in the entire movie. Please put a story when you make a movie next time.