Canada is often overshadowed by its loud, brash and sometimes obnoxious southerly neighbour. This is definitely the case when it comes to film. Whilst there’s nothing like Hollywood in the land of maple syrup, independent cinema has often flourished. It’s easy to forget that although English is the national language, French is spoken widely in the second biggest province. French-language cinema is having somewhat of a renaissance. Ghost Town Anthology carries on this hot streak.
Irénée-les-Neiges is a small rural town in Quebec. When Simon Dubé (Philippe Charette) dies in a car crash, shockwaves run through the 215 local residents. His brother Jimmy (Robert Naylor) and their mother (Josée Deschênes) struggle to cope. Their father’s (Jean-Michel Anctil) response is to leave. As the cracks start to show within the community, something strange begins to happen. The dead start returning.
Ghost Town Anthology is a strange and unusual mix of small-town ennui, familial anxiety and existential anarchy. The myriad themes and issues tackled make it such a fascinating drama. Whilst the grainy 16mm adds an unearthly atmosphere to the snowy backdrops. Denis Côté’s film is strange and eerie. More of a meditation on modern life than a genre thriller. Ghost Town Anthology is a creepy and considered take on death, loss and grief.
Ghost Town Anthology screens again at London Film Festival on 4 October.
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