“Oh, Canada” Review (TIFF 2024)

Photo credit: ©Oh-Canada-LLC

Written by: Gracie Lowes

“Oh, Canada” was the first film on my watchlist for TIFF 2024, and with a stacked cast featuring Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, Jacob Elordi, and Michael Imperioli, it quickly became one of my most anticipated watches of the festival.

In this adaptation of Russell Banks’ 2021 novel Foregone, directed by Paul Schrader, “Oh, Canada” follows Leonard Fife (Richard Gere), a once-renowned documentary filmmaker in Montreal who fled the U.S. during the Vietnam War draft. Now ill and under palliative care, Fife agrees to be interviewed by his former film students, led by Malcolm (Michael Imperioli).

His devoted wife, Emma (Uma Thurman), watches closely to protect Fife's legacy. However, as he delves into his past, recounting memories that unfold in flashbacks, cracks in his official story begin to emerge.

Fife confronts the selfishness and cowardice of his younger self (Jacob Elordi), particularly regarding his seductive tendencies, and faces the consequences of choices he has long avoided acknowledging.

Although this 95-minute film starts off strong with a promising plot and brilliantly written dialogue, it quickly loses momentum and begins to drag.

Based on the synopsis, I was extremely hopeful the story would keep me on the edge of my seat, but I ultimately found it difficult to enjoy it for several reasons.

Key issues included the lack of likable characters to root for, a confusing storyline that left many questions unanswered, and a lack of chemistry between the characters, which contributed to their unlikability.

Overall, I give “Oh, Canada” one out of five stars.

As one of my most anticipated films of the festival, I went in with high expectations, but unfortunately, I was extremely underwhelmed by the characters, plot, and pacing.

If you enjoyed “Into the Wild (2007)” and “The Lives of Others (2006)”, this film might be for you.