Brotherhood – A Powerful Canadian Survival Story

Canadian films are nothing to shake a stick at. They may not always be able to compete with their Hollywood counterparts though they can still deliver compelling stories that may surprise. Brotherhood is the latest Canadian film that is this time based on the 1926 survival story of the canoe of a group of teenage boys capsizing during a storm near Long Point Camp. Canadian or not, survival stories in film are not particularly new by any means, however, was sets this film apart were some beautiful cinematography highlighting the Ontario, Canada countryside and a group of impressive performances from a majority young cast. However, it is worth noting that the film will almost certainly not be for everyone but those who can get through it will be treated to an emotional roller coaster and for everyone, it will be done before you know it thanks to its suiting running time of just a touch over 90 minutes.

The title Brotherhood pretty much tells viewers what they need to know as the film follows a group of teenage boys, mostly with fathers lost in WWI, attending Long Point Camp, a leadership summer camp under the tutelage of Robert Butcher (Fehr) and Arthur Lamden (Fletcher), also former soldiers fulfilling a new duty. Long Point Camp was the usual summer camp, made up of the usual summer camp activities, with the goal of turning boys into men. Though as always, boys will be boys and there was plenty of that on display over the course of the film and it was fun to watch (keep in mind that it is 1926 which added its own quirks). Meanwhile, the film actually started with the aforementioned capsizing, jumping between the present and the past with each timeline giving context to the other by developing the characters and providing some interesting insights. Though the boys’ stories are hit or miss and inevitably impact the story in somewhat predictable ways, they were still compelling to watch for the most part.

With that, it is easy to argue that a lot more happens in the past than the present but in reality, one does not work without the other (though it may take some time to realize that). The film’s beautiful cinematography was at its best and engrossing during the past is understandably bigger and brighter, featuring the lush forest, sandy beaches, and vast countryside of the area though the cinematography in the present timeline is limited while still doing a decent job at keeping up with the drama and bringing the dark confines of the lake to life. It shouldn’t comes as that much of a surprise to anyone that the boys’ present predicament was where they would truly become a brotherhood thus giving the film its name. They, as well as Butcher and Lamden, would have to work together to survive the elements and literally fight to keep their heads above water in the middle of a nearby lake. Ultimately, those familiar with the true story will more or less know how Brotherhood ends, however, this did not make it any less emotional as it would be the biggest test of their young lives.

In the end, the best part of Brotherhood was its impressive performances from its predominantly young cast. The dialog was inviting and felt natural but what truly helped bring the film to life and allow viewers to connect with the characters (something needed for a film like this) were the performances across the board and their great chemistry. Fehr and Fletcher were solid as Butcher and Lamden, the grizzled vets, though they paled in comparison to their younger counterparts. While there are too many of them to name, many had standout moments where the ones who perhaps stood out the most were Manley as George Waller, a rebellious teen who would grow up fast, and Sam Ashe Arnold as Will Wigington, a younger brother who also grew up fast.

Overall, Brotherhood won’t be for everyone but as it stands, is a great Canadian film that shouldn’t be missed.

still courtesy of levelFilm

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook. Also subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.