By Tyler Laracca & Valerie Milano
Toronto, Canada (The Hollywood Times) 8/1/23 –
Akin to the independent films of the late ’80s and early 90’s, Montréal Girls provides a much-needed cinematic rewind with a dynamic narrative and intimate cinematography. The film delivers a humble sensibility as it explores grief, growth, lust, and loss; in three different languages. Unafraid to pin you against the lens alongside its lead characters.
The film follows Ramy, portrayed by Brahimi, a medical student who moves to Montreal to attend medical school. He’s a bright and promising doctor-to-be, with one foot planted inside the world of poetry. The only outlet he has to express himself and his emotional state following a personal loss. His new environment isn’t without support, as he takes up a room in his uncle’s house. Frequently pushed to get out of his comfort zone by his punk rocker cousin, Tamer. A rather debaucherous night at Tamer’s concert incites a sudden shift in Ramy when he meets two women who would turn his life upside down.
The film’s titular female leads Yaz and Desiree, portrayed by Asad and Parent respectively, fill Ramy’s life with an emotional duality he is far from prepared for. Yaz presents herself as a femme fatale who can lure him in with a single look before vanishing. Desiree gives him artistic warmth as a muse with her own creative journey. Both characters suit as an equivalent to the clash of light and dark. As Ramy entwines himself within these spiraling relationships, his perspective on life begins to shift.
Chica’s fantastic direction behind the lens is absolutely stunning. Every frame acknowledges the artistic, yet gritty frames of classic independent film. There’s a clear marriage between the characters and the geography they inhabit. Montréal itself is a brilliant, colorful character that never takes the shine away from the cast. Though it does offer a tangible sense of culture unseen in other films. We’re led through its poetry dens, rockabilly bars, scenic harbors, and city parks during Ramy’s odyssey.
Ramy’s new life and old life come to blows as he further explores the correlation between art and heartbreak through his poetry. Leaving his programmed design for medical school behind. What gives life true meaning if your passage was designed for you? Montréal Girls identifies the struggle and strife we’ve all experienced while trying to find ourselves and our purpose. Something that can be difficult to pull off in any coming-of-age film.
The film delivers a refreshing approach to the comedy-drama sub-genre while hanging onto the narrative necessities we are all familiar with.
The film recently won Best feature and best debut Canadian feature film at the Female Eye Film Festival. Congratulatlations!
