Rustic Oracle

Rustic Oracle is a deeply poignant and heart-wrenching drama, directed and written by the renowned filmmaker Sonia Bonspille Boileau. Released in 2019, this film features exceptional performances from the budding talent Lake Delisle, the accomplished Carmen Moore, and the charismatic McKenzie Deer Robinson. This 101-minute film stands out for its intense storytelling, skilful performances, and its attempt to shed light on an often underreported issue— the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis in Canada.

Set in the late 90s, Rustic Oracle unravels in the small Mohawk community of Kanasetà:ke. The film encompasses the narrative of the two central characters; Ivy, played by Lake Delisle, an eight-year-old Mohawk girl with an extraordinary gift of premonitions, and her mother, Susan, brilliantly portrayed by Carmen Moore. When Ivy's teenage sister, Heather, mysteriously disappears, their seemingly peaceful world is turned upside down as the constant roar of anxiety and uncertainty slowly seeps into their lives.

The narrative of Rustic Oracle is seen through Ivy's innocent eyes, which gives a fresh and compelling perspective to this complex issue. Ivy is not just a quaint observer, she is a participant, navigating the harsh realities of the adult world with her unique blend of innocence and wisdom. Lake Delisle's naturalistic performance adds a layer of innocence, authenticity, and vulnerability to the character that is Ivy— she is the beating heart of the film.

Moore, as the desperate and hopeless Susan, delivers a performance of a lifetime. A mother tortured by anguish and uncertainty, she embarks on a journey across the countryside in search of her missing daughter. She portrays the distress of a mother who will stop at nothing to recover her child with a heart-rending intensity that leaves the audience profoundly affected.

The key supporting role of the disappeared Heather is played by McKenzie Deer Robinson. Though her physical presence in the film is minimal, the character's absence and the mystery that shrouds her disappearance leaves a palpable void that drives the film. Her absence is a silent but powerful commentary on the numerous unresolved disappearances and acts of violence against Indigenous women.

The underlying strength of Rustic Oracle lies in its ability to balance the intimacy and universality of its narrative. On one hand, it presents a tender and poignant family drama, weaving together the moments of laughter and love among the family members amidst their tragedy. On the other hand, it underscores a larger social problem, a national crisis that has long been ignored.

The film's cinematography is remarkable- it paints a stunning picture of the rural landscapes of Quebec. The beauty of the scenery is juxtaposed against the ugliness of the social issue at the heart of the narrative. Still, the filmmaker’s capacity to find hope and resilience amidst a tragic backdrop is striking and noteworthy.

Furthermore, the nuanced screenplay and direction by Sonia Bonspille Boileau, an accomplished Mohawk filmmaker, strengthens the gritty realism depicted in this film. Her knack for storytelling combined with her determination to shed light on the unspoken indigenous issues helps in bringing a sense of urgency to the MMIWG crisis.

Not only does Rustic Oracle share a familial and social story, but it also illustrates an essential piece of Canadian history. It allows the audience to empathize with the struggle of the indigenous community, and it encourages them to pay attention to the crucial issues, injustices, and complexity that it endures.

In essence, Rustic Oracle is not merely a film; it is a heartfelt outcry. It is a journey filled with emotions – despair, hope, loss, love, fear, and resilience. It is a poignant family drama and a critical social discourse. Here's a film that sympathetically shines a spotlight on an urgent crisis while simultaneously tugging at the heartstrings of its audience with its highly relatable and humanistic narrative. With its stellar performances, beautiful cinematography, and important socio-cultural message, Rustic Oracle is a must-watch.