4 Exciting Canadian Shows and Films Coming in 2023
Discover the most anticipated Canadian movies and series and mark your calendars for their release dates!
Following the immense success of Brother, Riceboy Sleeps, and I Like Movies, along with the Canadian Screen Awards' somewhat controversial attempt to recognize them, it's time to turn our attention to the world of Canadian cinema and celebrate the accomplishments of its creators.
This year, the 10th annual National Canadian Film Day aims to do just that by shining a spotlight on the country's film industry and the achievements of its talented artists.
While the Canadian Screen Awards have recently honored outstanding films from the past year, and the CanFilmDay organizers have curated a collection of the best choices spanning several decades, it can be challenging to keep track of the upcoming Canadian movies that you should be excited to watch.
Here are four captivating Canadian shows and films that deserve your attention:
1. "Bones of Crows"
Release Date: June 2nd
Marie Clements's "Bones of Crows" has already captivated audiences with its national Indigenous community screening tour. However, a wide release is still in progress. This film, featuring an almost entirely Indigenous cast, weaves a multi-generational narrative centered around Cree matriarch Aline Spears. The adult version of Aline Spears is portrayed by Secwépemc actor Grace Dove, while Seneca/Mohawk and French Canadian Carla-Rae and 10-year-old Summer Testawich bring her older and younger selves to life, respectively. After successful screenings at film festivals in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Santa Barbara, the movie is set to hit theaters on June 2nd. Additionally, it will be adapted into a miniseries, following the footsteps of BlackBerry, with the five-part version expected to be released in late 2023 or early 2024.
2. "When Morning Comes"
Release Date: To Be Announced
Kelly Fyffe-Marshall's directorial debut, "When Morning Comes," has already generated significant buzz ahead of its release. It was included in the long list for the Jean-Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award and received a $50,000 endowment from the Toronto Film Critics Association and David Cronenberg. Filmed primarily in Jamaica, this movie follows the story of young Jamal (played by Djamari Roberts), who faces the prospect of being sent to live with his grandmother in Canada, prompting him to embark on a runaway adventure. In an interview with Yahoo Canada, Fyffe-Marshall shared that the narrative draws inspiration from her own memories of growing up in Jamaica. Keep an eye out for this highly anticipated film as its release date is yet to be announced.
3. "Bottoms"
Release Date: To Be Announced
While "Bottoms" does not strictly qualify as a Canadian production, it serves as the follow-up to Canadian director Emma Seligman's acclaimed film, "Shiva Baby." Seligman's latest offering is a high school comedy that revolves around PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri), two socially outcast girls determined to lose their virginity before graduation. However, their unconventional approach involves starting a fight club to attract cheerleaders, adding an unexpectedly original twist to the well-worn coming-of-age theme. After premiering at SXSW, "Bottoms" has garnered an impressive 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, even though its official release date is yet to be confirmed.
4. "North of Normal"
Release Date: Mid-July
Drawing inspiration from the memoir of the same name, "North of Normal" thrusts B.C. writer Cea Sunrise Person's extraordinary childhood into the spotlight. Set in the Canadian wilderness, the film stars Amanda Fix and River Price-Maenpaa, portraying Person at different stages of her life as she navigates the perils of an unconventional upbringing and eventually breaks free. Notably, Canadian actor Sarah Gadon delivers a compelling performance as Person's mother, Michelle. Directed by Carly Stone, "North of Normal" is currently slated for a mid-July release, although an exact date has yet to be announced.