I rented the DVD of this movie because indie movies, and 'fringe of empire' movies (Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, sometimes British) are not corrupted by the demands of Hollywood blockbuster profitability. And because it had Molly Parker and early Ellen Page. The crucial element of this movie, that 'Agnes' had borne an illegitimate child due due to parental incest was so subtle that I had trouble understanding it - it passed by in a confession so low-keyed and fast that I'm not sure I heard it. It is mentioned only in coded fashion in IMDb reviews. I'm in the process of watching the director commentary, hoping that it will be revealed more openly. I don't understand why the secrecy, unless it has to do with the movie's potential for international distribution. Also the possible lesbian interest of one of the sisters. They give mystery to the plot that seem to be unnecessary, unless the religious component of the sister's lives is a defining element. Parental incest / lesbianism are NOT rare shocking phenomena. The movie was interesting as a historical artifact. Molly Parker and Ellen Page were great nevertheless.
Review of Marion Bridge
