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Returning to her hometown of Vancouver on the news that her Caucasian father is on his deathbed, Rebecca learns from him before he dies that her aboriginal mother, Rita, did not abandon them twenty-five years ago because Rita did not love Rebecca as he had always told her, but rather he forced Rita to leave. As such, Rebecca goes on a search for Rita through Vancouver’s notorious downtown eastside, where over the years many aboriginal women, marginalized in society, have been found dead, most under the mysterious but suspicious circumstance of being alone in their single room occupancy (SRO) hotel with excessively high blood alcohol levels. Many of these women were officially classified as missing before their dead bodies discovered. Although she comes across a few leads, Rebecca believes the strongest lead in finding her mother is through a man named Norman, who claims to have seen the woman in the photograph, who he refers to as Shadie, sometime recently. Rebecca will learn how much.
Duration: 90 min
Released: 2006
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10 (225 Votes)
Stars: Tinsel Korey, Tantoo Cardinal, Na’Ku’Set Shepherd, Michelle Thrush
Directors: Carl Bessai
Writers: Marie Clements
Year: 2006
Unnatural & Accidental is a compelling Canadian drama film released in 2006, directed by Carl Bessai. This movie is a poignant exploration of the tragic and complex realities faced by Indigenous women, combining elements of crime and drama to craft a narrative that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
Plot Summary:
The story of Unnatural & Accidental revolves around Ray (played by Tantoo Cardinal), a Native American woman searching for her missing daughter in Vancouver, British Columbia. Ray’s quest to find her daughter highlights the broader, systemic issue of violence against Indigenous women, who are disproportionately affected by disappearances and murders in Canada. As Ray digs deeper, she encounters a grim underworld filled with abuse, neglect, and indifference, shedding light on the social and institutional neglect that perpetuates such tragedies.
The narrative is structured through Ray’s journey, which is interwoven with flashbacks and interactions with other women, all of whom have been victims of violence in one form or another. Through its realistic portrayal of these stories, the film raises awareness about the epidemic of violence faced by Indigenous women, bringing the urgency of this crisis to a wider audience.
Main Cast:
The cast, though not extensive, is carefully chosen to represent the Indigenous communities affected by the themes presented in the film, and their performances contribute significantly to the film's emotional impact.
Director and Writer:
Carl Bessai, an acclaimed Canadian filmmaker known for his focus on socially relevant stories, directs this movie with sensitivity and purpose. His direction ensures that the difficult subject matter is handled with care, avoiding sensationalism while maintaining a powerful narrative drive.
The screenplay is adapted from a play by Marie Clements and is inspired by real-life events and interviews. It is a courageous work of storytelling that brings a multi-layered perspective to the issue of violence against Indigenous women. The writing navigates the complex interplay between personal grief and social critique with precision and heart.
Themes and Impact:
Unnatural & Accidental is much more than a crime drama; it serves as an indictment of systemic failures that allow such injustices to persist. The film addresses themes of loss, identity, resilience, and the pursuit of truth in a hostile environment. It also highlights the strength and solidarity within Indigenous communities as they cope with and resist these challenges.
By focusing on the personal story of Ray, the film humanizes the statistics and headlines, making the violence against Indigenous women relatable and urgent for viewers who may be otherwise unaware of this pressing issue. Its raw and unflinching portrayal has contributed to preserving the memory of victims and stimulating discussions around the need for systemic reforms.
Technical Aspects:
Visually, the film employs a realistic and somber cinematography style, with muted colors reflecting the grim realities portrayed. The pacing is deliberate, allowing audiences to absorb the emotional gravity of each scene. The sound design and score underlie the film’s tense and melancholic atmosphere without overpowering the storytelling.
Conclusion:
Unnatural & Accidental is a vital work of Canadian cinema that serves both as a gripping drama and a social commentary. The combination of strong performances—especially by Tantoo Cardinal—and thoughtful direction by Carl Bessai ensures that the film leaves a lasting impression. It raises awareness about a significant social issue while honoring the resilience of Indigenous women and communities. For anyone interested in films that tackle real-world issues with honesty and compassion, Unnatural & Accidental is a must-watch.
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