Mary Goes Round

Mary Goes Round is a Canadian drama film that tells the story of Mary, a substance abuse counselor who has to come to terms with her own alcohol addiction. The movie, which premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, is directed by Molly McGlynn and stars Sara Waisglass, Aya Cash, and Jess Salgueiro.

The central protagonist of the movie, Mary, is portrayed by Sara Waisglass. Mary is a single woman in her thirties who is struggling with her own addiction to alcohol. She is an alcoholic who has been sober for a while and is trying to get her life back on track. Mary works as a counselor at a substance abuse treatment center, and she takes her job seriously. She is a good listener, empathetic, and patient. Her approach to helping her patients is to build a relationship with them and earn their trust. Mary is also dealing with family issues, as her father is dying, and she is estranged from her mother who she blames for her father's illness.

Mary's life takes a turn when she is arrested for drunk driving. As a result, she loses her job and is court-ordered to attend AA meetings twice a week. Mary is resistant to the idea of attending AA at first, but eventually, she agrees to go. Mary meets a group of people at AA who will help her on her journey to sobriety. She also meets Daniel, played by John Ralston, who is a recovering alcoholic and seems to understand Mary's struggles better than anyone else.

Aya Cash plays Louisa, Mary's estranged mother. Louisa and Mary have not seen each other in years, and their relationship is strained. Louisa is a successful woman who has made a name for herself in business. She is used to being in control and does not like to be vulnerable. Louisa is a difficult character to like, but as the movie progresses, her layers are peeled back, and her motivations become clearer.

Jess Salgueiro plays Robyn, one of Mary's patients. Robyn is a young girl who is addicted to heroin. She is also pregnant and is concerned about the health of her unborn child. Mary takes an interest in Robyn and tries to help her through the difficult time. Mary's relationship with Robyn is one of the highlights of the movie, showing how Mary is able to connect with her patients on a personal level.

The movie deals with themes of addiction, family, and forgiveness. The relationships between the characters are complex, and the movie does an excellent job of delving into the motivations of each character. The movie is not preachy, and it allows the characters to make their own mistakes and learn from their experiences. The pacing of the movie is slow, but it works well for the story as it allows the characters to breathe and develop naturally.

The cinematography of the movie is beautiful, and the movie is shot in Toronto and the surrounding areas. The soundtrack of the movie is a mix of modern alternative and indie music, and it blends well with the tone of the movie.

In conclusion, Mary Goes Round is a well-crafted drama that deals with addiction and family in a nuanced way. The movie is anchored by strong performances from Sara Waisglass, Aya Cash, and Jess Salgueiro. The movie is not an easy watch, but it is rewarding for those who are willing to invest their time in the characters. Mary Goes Round is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in character-driven dramas.