Mikaela Dyke, with only the most basic of props, manages seemingly effortless transformations from young modern-day woman to old Newfoundland male, taking the audience along with her without question. She may be hard to understand at first, but that's a testament to accuracy, and it only takes a few minutes to settle into the rhythm of the Newfinese.
Dyke tells these real-life characters' stories verbatim, as they did during interviews in the 1970s. The effect is haunting, compelling and truly gut-wrenching. It's a simple idea but massively affective, as most truly touching art is.
Not exactly a pleasurable watch but a powerful one to be sure.
At St. Ann's Academy, 835 Humboldt St. Aug. 31, 6 p.m.; Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 2, 4:45 p.m.
Check out Kyle Wells' cenefile blog here.
http://blogs.bclocalnews.com/cinefile/