October Gale (2014)

A doctor takes in a mysterious man who washes ashore at her remote cottage with a gunshot wound. Quickly they both learn the killer has arrived to finish the job, while a storm has cut them off from the mainland.

Director:

Ruba Nadda

Writer:

Ruba Nadda

Stars:

Patricia Clarkson, Scott Speedman, Tim Roth

2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Patricia Clarkson	...	Helen
Scott Speedman	...	William
Tim Roth	...	Tom
Aidan Devine	...	Al Tessier
Eric Murdoch	...	Henry
Callum Keith Rennie	...	James
Billy MacLellan	...	Ed the Marina Guy
Dani Kind	...	Wait Staff

Storyline

A doctor takes in a mysterious man who washes ashore at her remote cottage with a gunshot wound. Quickly they both learn the killer has arrived to finish the job, while a storm has cut them off from the mainland.

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Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | title written by female | cottage | widow | washed ashore | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Over the back of the chesterfield in the cottage you can see a "Hudson's Bay Blanket". A white blanket with multicolored stripes, this blanket has been a staple in Canadian households, particularly cottages, over the years.

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Goofs

On the final scene, while standing face to face in an open space (no buildings or other structures casting shadows), Helen's face is brightly lit by sunlight on her left cheek, while Will is in a dim/uniform light. This suggests they were filmed at different times of the day.

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Quotes

Helen: I'm having engine trouble. I'm two clicks away from the marina. Just off Guthrie Point.

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Soundtracks

Stop in Motion
Written by Marco DiFelice, Joshua Pinkerton and Daniel J. Pinkerton
Performed by Central Park (featuring Marco Solo)

User Reviews

isolation is a key component suspense

After a doctor (Patricia Clarkeson) is widowed, she takes time away to tend to her old island cottage only to be caught in a storm and a deadly revenge plot between strangers. The movie is determined to emphasize the unspoken and realistic moments, and a sense of purpose in life that is lost with the death of the husband (Callum Keith Rennie in flashbacks). But even from the mundane tasks of maintenance on the cottage to first aid for a fugitive on her doorstep, she still has to deal with life that presents itself. When she is at her most rootless, the opening scenes are hand-held; the more steady presentation begins once she heads out on the lake for what seems like a joy ride or to vent and feel some control. Even when her boat has engine trouble and she has to accept help, she has asserted something and taken control. As the main plot of the movie kicks in with the intrusion of her visitor, there is danger on the horizon and the impending arrival of a vengeful two-man posse manages to avoid the tempo of a High Noon template while still taking its heroine somewhere interesting and leaving her with new options to consider. The presence of Tim Roth is welcome and well used as he brings a matter-of-fact sense of menace. As in her previous collaboration with director Ruba Nadda, Clarkeson let's us meet her half way with what might otherwise be said and what might be expected. Notice that Ruba Nadda has recently director for shows like NCIS, and I look forward to her doing more of her own features.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 March 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

October Gale

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Killer Films, Foundry Films, Pacific Northwest Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1