Review RENDEZVOUS WITH MADNESS 2024 Festival ‘Drive Back Home’
[Review by Stefan Chiarantano]
Drive Back Home, directed by Michael Clowater, is a 2024 Canadian dramatic comedy inspired by a true story. Set in 1970, the film revisits a dark chapter in Canada’s history: the persecution of sexual minorities, particularly gay men, and the painful social attitudes that prevailed. Through its storyline, the film sheds light on the harsh prejudices that sanctioned violence against sexual minorities and denied them full participation in society. Gay bashing and legal discrimination were cruel realities, and the film’s opening scene—a chilling depiction of a mob hurling slurs—sets a powerful tone for what’s to come.
Against this backdrop of bigotry and systemic oppression, Drive Back Home unfolds amid the stunning natural beauty of Canada. The film tells the story of a dysfunctional family struggling to heal, particularly from the damage inflicted by a homophobic patriarch. Yet, despite its exploration of a bleak period in Canadian history, Drive Back Home is also about resilience, hope, and the possibility of reconciliation. The story doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that while LGBTQ2+ rights have advanced, similar prejudices endure—now often directed toward racialized minorities by law enforcement.
The film excels on many fronts: superb acting, sharp dialogue, a haunting soundtrack, and cinematography that beautifully captures Canada’s landscapes. Clowater masterfully blends a variety of visual techniques, including flashbacks, archival footage, and scenes drenched in contrast, to create a compelling narrative punctuated by comedic moments. These lighter moments add levity, such as scenes featuring Perley’s taxidermied dog, Weldon’s provincial quirks, absurd police encounters, and the comic mishap of Weldon donning Perley’s clothes and carrying the pet dog.
The story follows a non-linear narrative as two brothers, Weldon (played by Charlie Creed-Miles) and Perley (played by Alan Cumming), confront their painful past while journeying back to Stanley, New Brunswick. Beneath their story lies a tender, understated subplot: a mother’s enduring love for her son, despite society’s disapproval. Clare Coulter shines as Adelaide (Ada), a mother who, in the end, just wants her son home. Drive Back Home is a moving film that I wholeheartedly recommend. It immerses viewers in the resilience of good-hearted people, the breathtaking Canadian landscape, and the unbreakable bond of family. Clowater has created a work that captures both the shadows and light of human experience in an unforgettable way.
Check out a clip from Drive Back Home
Drive Back Home will be playing as part of the RENDEZVOUS WITH MADNESS 2024 Festival
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