This is not a family film. I say that right from the start not as a criticism, but to alert those who may be fooled by the youth of the main protagonist. No, this is a gritty, real-life story of the struggles of a 13 year old boy on the rugged Canadian east coast. There is no uplifting morale boosting going on here. The main character is brilliantly acted by young Percy Hynes White and it is not an easy character to play. Young Jude (the character's name) goes through some real emotion and has to deal with situations that no child, or adult for that matter, should have to deal with. The other actors are very good too. Mary-Colin Chisholm as the enigmatic Alfreda in particular is excellent, but it is young Percy who carries the film. Shot in Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador coasts, the film is gorgeous to look at and very atmospheric. It is just a pity then that the ending, which comes quite suddenly, leaves so many questions unanswered. This is no happy ending and it is not a satisfying one either. It leaves many loose ends. Still, for its running time, this movie will hold your attention, challenge you and make you think.
