☛ Cette critique est aussi disponible en français [➦].

Translated by Florence Bois-Villeneuve.

In 1990s Calgary, two teenage friends, Kyle (played by Justin Sluiter) and Colton (played by Marcel T. Jimenez), reconnect and roam the city and its outskirts. They smash an old television, give a makeshift burial to a dead cat found in a house under construction, marvel at nature and insects, and stroll along railway tracks. Wherever they venture, Kyle leaves a graffiti tag: “The Maiden.” Doing so, he etches his presence in places of transition and movement.

Soon after, a significant tragedy strikes the two friends and their community. Emptiness, loss, and grief settle in. The graffiti becomes a symbol of timeless presence, immortalizing the ache of absence in space and locations.

The Maiden transforms the mundane moments of adolescent life into poetic sojourns. Nature, sounds, and spaces gently portray the protagonists' emotions of loss and sorrow. Through the theme of mourning, director Graham Foy delicately captures the silent and profound bond at the core of human relationships. Relational mourning, often solely approached from a romantic angle, takes center stage in this nearly two-hour-long film shot in 16mm format.

However, Graham Foy's use of symbolism in The Maiden can sometimes be challenging to decipher, leading to a loss of narrative clarity. It becomes difficult to discern what is symbolic and what drives the plot forward, leaving the audience somewhat lost. Regrettably, the poetic representations fall short of capturing the essence of the film's core themes. Despite depicting adolescence through its universal experiences—the significance of friendships, the identity struggles, the yearning for affection and gentleness, and the uncertainty about the future—Graham Foy's symbolic approach may not always resonate with the audience. The abundance of static images depicting objects and places may prompt questions about their relevance or utility. 

Nevertheless, The Maiden delves deep into interesting and relevant themes. Often relegated to the background in relational dynamics, friendship is explored tenderly, with simplicity and kindness. Beyond mourning, the movie is a tribute to friendship—and the profound affection it fosters.

Reference:

Director/Creator: Graham Foy
Production: F F Films Inc., MDFF 
Title: The Maiden
Release date: Premiered on October 12 as part of the 2022 Festival du Nouveau Cinéma