MOVIE REVIEW
All the Lost Ones
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Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): MacKenzie Donaldson
Writer(s): Cheryl Meyer, Anthony Grant
Cast: Jasmine Mathews, Devon Sawa, Sheila McCarthy
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 The Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Mackenzie Donaldson delivers a narrative steeped in the stark realities of a world that continues to challenge you in every way possible. She threads a suspenseful tale that places us on the brink of a civil war in North America. ALL THE LOST ONES combines personal struggles with the broader societal breakdown, creating a reflective and unsettling cinematic experience.

The stark, imposing landscapes of northern Ontario are more than just a setting in ALL THE LOST ONES; they breathe life into the story, serving as a silent protagonist amidst the chaos. Written by Cheryl Meyer and Anthony Grant, the film captures the essence and spirit of its setting, reflecting the resilience and strength of the area and its people.

A stellar ensemble cast amplifies this film's story. Douglas Smith’s portrayal of Ethan, Jasmine Mathews plays Nia, and Sheila McCarthy’s Dawn portrays a harrowing survival tale against societal disarray. Their performances highlight a spectrum of human emotions, from despair to hope, making the characters' journey intensely personal and universally relatable.

Donaldson's direction is a seamless blend of boldness and subtlety. It captures the close-up impacts of a global crisis through the lens of those enduring its hardest hits. The story delves deep into its characters' psychological and emotional turmoil, reflecting broader fears and hopes through intensely personal stakes.

ALL THE LOST ONES captures the vastness and entrapment of the wilderness with equal levels. This duality intensifies the narrative's tension, pulling viewers directly into the immediacy of the unfolding crises, balancing the breathtaking expanses with the claustrophobic struggles of the film’s protagonists.

Throughout ALL THE LOST ONES, various symbols subtly underscore the themes of survival and decay. These objects are more than just set decorations or background items; they serve as reminders of the passage of time and the degradation of the environment. These symbols lift the narrative, adding layers of meaning that resonate with the audience.

The screenplay is nothing short of brilliant. It incorporates complex character interactions and dialogue that underscore the intricate net of human relationships in times of crisis. The screenplay ensures that viewers are more than passive observers; they are emotionally engaged participants on this harrowing journey.

ALL THE LOST ONES pushes the boundaries of science fiction but also probes the depths of human resilience and ethical dilemmas. It challenges the audience to reflect on the broader implications of our environmental and societal choices, presenting a narrative that is as timely as it is timeless.

With its rich exploration and meticulous direction, ALL THE LOST ONES is a solid and meaningful film. It navigates the terrains of human endurance and societal critique with a skill that is both engaging and provocative. The film leaves an indelible mark, compelling viewers to ponder the resilience of the human spirit and the fragility of our societal constructs.

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[photo courtesy of ELECTRIC PANDA ENTERTAINMENT, NOHFC, ONTARIO CREATES, THE DONALDSON COMPANY, TÉLÉFILM CANADA]

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