The Sweet Hereafter (1997)

Directed by Atom Egoyan. Starring Ian Holm, Bruce Greenwood, Sarah Polley, Tom McCamus, Gabrielle Rose, Earl Pastko, Arsinée Khanjian, Brooke Johnson, Stephanie Morgenstern, Maury Chaykin, Caerthan Banks, Alberta Watson, Peter Donaldson. [R]

Lawyer Holm arrives in a small Canadian town that’s been traumatized by a recent devastating school bus accident to try and convince the affected townspeople to let him represent them in a class action lawsuit, all the while dealing with the personal loss of a daughter who has become a drug addict that he doesn’t even recognize anymore. Egoyan’s masterpiece is a meditative, subtly ambiguous exploration of loss and blame, unfolding as a puzzle that creates a sense of mystery and anxiety as each detail comes into the light, each characterization deepens, and each theme and relationship builds in complexity. Holm is exceptionally understated in a rare leading role, avoiding all of the usual ambulance-chaser pitfalls and clichés, and trudging his way through the story searching for meaning, not a payout; he’s surrounded by several strong supporting players, such as bitter and distrustful Greenwood and paralyzed teenager Polley. The final scene, transferring power to a new “life author,” is difficult to shake. Egoyan also co-produced and wrote the screenplay, an adaptation of the same-named novel by Russell Banks, who has a small role as a doctor. Polley made several contributions to the soundtrack, including vocals for the song “Courage” by Canadian band The Tragically Hip.

94/100