MOVIE REVIEW
Altona
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023, 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Heath Affolter, Thomas Affolter, Nathan Affolter, Jon Affolter
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 The Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: At its heart, ALTONA is a compelling documentary that brings a unique perspective to the true crime genre. Directed by the Affolter brothers (Heath, Thomas, Nathan, and Jon,) this film delves into a chilling incident that forever changed the fabric of a small Canadian community. Through a blend of animation and raw, unfiltered eyewitness accounts, the film recounts the tragic events of one fateful evening and invites viewers to reflect on the emotional aftermath. The documentary's narrative is anchored in the personal journey of Tyler Pelke, whose story of resilience and recovery intertwines with a broader examination of a community's quest for healing and forgiveness.

ALTONA grips its audience with an intense opening scene that sets the stage for a narrative of survival and healing. The documentary uses animation to bring to life the events of November 17, 1990, when an ordinary night in southern Manitoba turned tragic. This choice deepens the story's emotional impact, allowing the themes of trauma and recovery to resonate with the audience. The animation serves as a narrative device and intensifies the connection between the viewers and the events, ensuring the experience is watched and felt.

The film's strength is amplified through interviews with the victims' family and friends, who provide a more personal glimpse into the community affected by the tragedy. These segments are handled with the utmost respect and care, avoiding sensationalism in favor of genuine emotional depth. The interviews with the victims' mothers are particularly poignant, whose powerful testimonies add layers of grief, resilience, and love, enriching the documentary's narrative fabric.

In a bold move, ALTONA incorporates perspectives from all those involved, including an unsettling but crucial viewpoint from the perpetrator. This inclusive approach does not seek to justify his actions but rather to explore the complex themes of trauma and redemption. By presenting a balanced view, the documentary challenges its audience to consider the multifaceted nature of forgiveness and the potential for change within the human spirit. This inclusivity sparks a broader conversation about justice and recovery, adding an exploration of dialogue to the film.

The documentary concludes on a note of hope, recognizing the darkness of its subject matter and highlighting those affected's enduring strength and resilience. It's a narrative choice that speaks volumes about the power of community support and the indomitable human spirit in overcoming great adversities. The Affolter brothers weave cinematic techniques with authentic storytelling, creating a lasting impact and encouraging audiences to ponder their views on forgiveness and healing.

ALTONA explores grief, forgiveness, and resilience. Crafted with care by the Affolter brothers, this documentary transcends its narrative to paint a hopeful picture of recovery and reconciliation. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in the impacts of trauma on individuals and communities, offering insightful reflections on the art of cinematic storytelling and the human condition. Yet, with all that said, I can’t help but feel that there is more to this story, something that isn’t shown on screen; I think it’s something we’ll likely never know.

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[photo courtesy of FORESHADOW FILMS, LANGER FILMS]

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