Exile is a Canadian thriller film, directed by Jason James and had its film festival premiere in 2022.[1] The film stars Adam Beach as Ted Evans, a man who's just been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for killing a family in a drunk driving incident. Before his release, he receives a threat from the lone survivor that his own family will be killed in retaliation. Ted exiles himself in order to protect them, however, his wife Sara (Camille Sullivan) tracks him down, believing the threat was a manifestation of her husband's profound guilt, and she uses extreme measures to bring him home.[2]
Rachel West of That Shelf praised the film as a well-made thriller anchored by a strong performance by Beach, writing that "finally given the chance to shine in a lead role worthy of him, Beach makes Ted a man of complex layers and deep secrets. The anguish he feels is palpable, as is the idea that he might harbour even darker secrets. Ted’s reality may not be as it seems, and Beach’s performance, as well as the script, give the viewer room to question if what they see is truly what is happening."[1]
Alex Heeney of Seventh Row gave the film a more mixed review, praising the performances of Beach and Sullivan but asserting that "the script is weak, the characters aren’t particularly fleshed out on the page, and the plot is predictable." He added that "for better and worse, it feels like Beach was recruited to play a role written and designed for a settler. On the one hand, it’s so great to see Beach given so much to work with. As much as things are getting better in Canada, there still aren’t many Indigenous films getting made, and those that do get made are produced on a shoestring budget. There should be opportunities for Indigenous actors beyond that. On the other hand, it’s hard not to be disappointed that the screenplay didn’t adapt at all to the fact that Beach, and thus Ted, is Indigenous."[2]
Leanne McLaren of iHeart Radio gave the film a glowing review, saying "I really enjoyed this film. The story unfolds layer by layer leaving you to question what’s really going on with Ted and if this perceived threat is real or not. Fear can make you do irrational things and question your reality and mental state and this is played out so wonderfully in Exile. Adam Beach delivers a powerful and vulnerable performance paired perfectly with Camille Sullivan with her portrayal of a strong and level headed wife determined to put her family back together at any cost. I love when a movie gets under your skin and Exile does just that."[6]
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