First Nations Artist in the Spotlight

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Ever Deadly

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022, 2023 Kino Lorber DVD
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Chelsea McMullan, Tanya Tagaq
Where To Watch: available January 2, 2024; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: EVER DEADLY swept me into a world I never knew existed. From the first frame, where Tanya Tagaq and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory's intense throat singing takes over the screen for seven minutes, I realized this wouldn't be your average documentary. It's like stepping into a new dimension, where biography, live concerts, and personal reflections merge to form a narrative as unique as Tagaq herself. Being new to her work, I was left impressed and slightly adrift, trying to make sense of this artistic whirlwind. Her style isn’t what I would consider mainstream, but there was something about it that I couldn’t deny.

EVER DEADLY explores the life and artistry of the renowned Canadian artist Tanya Tagaq. The film juxtaposes Tagaq's raw singing style with vibrant animations and gripping voiceovers from her novel "Split Tooth," painting a comprehensive picture of her immense talent. Yet, its unconventional narrative structure, eschewing a straightforward plot, may need to be clarified for some viewers. Despite this, the film brilliantly conveys powerful slices of Tagaq's life, immersing us in a rich cultural tapestry.

The film's portrayal of Tagaq's live performances is a visual spectacle. Though filled with flair, these sequences need help to fully convey the immersive experience of her live shows, creating a gap between the audience and the on-screen energy. In contrast, the film's intimate moments with Tagaq in Nunavut provide a heartfelt glimpse into her life, adding a meaningful layer to our understanding of her art.

Delving into Tagaq's personal history, EVER DEADLY touches on the painful experiences of her mother during the Inuit's forced relocation to Resolute Bay and the trauma of residential schools. These narratives, seamlessly integrated with the concert footage, infuse the film with gravity. The sound design is particularly effective in these concert scenes, heightening the film's emotional impact.

Tagaq's innovative approach to singing throughout the documentary is an eye-opening and otherworldly experience. The film captures her dynamic stage presence, unique vocal style, and collaborations with other musicians, underscoring her role in evolving and redefining Inuit throat singing.

EVER DEADLY is a profound and fascinating journey into the life and creative world of Tagaq. The film pays homage to her artistic genius and delves deep into her cultural heritage. It also highlights the crucial role of First Nations artists in the contemporary art scene, honoring their contributions and ongoing efforts to maintain and transform their cultural legacies.

EVER DEADLY is a multi-faceted documentary that skillfully interweaves Tagaq's artistic expression, personal history, and the cultural nuances of her background. Co-directed by Tagaq and Chelsea McMullan, the film offers a vibrant and captivating portrait of Tagaq’s artistic journey and her advocacy for recognizing and appreciating First Nations culture in the broader art world. This is more than just a film; it's an enlightening experience, opening a window to a world that many viewers may find both unfamiliar and mesmerizing.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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