Watch Body And Bones

Body And Bones is a 2019 drama film set in rural St. John's, Newfoundland. The main character, Tess, is a twenty-something aspiring musician who is struggling with a creative block due to her insecurities and her family issues. Following the death of her father, Tess returns home to care for her bipolar mother, who requires constant attention and medication.

As Tess's mother's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, Tess's own mental well-being becomes more volatile; she force-feeds herself pills, getting diagnosed with disordered eating. When her mother disappears, Tess's mental state deteriorates further, and she is forced to confront her own issues and reconnect with her estranged family members to deal with her mother's absence.

Through the course of the film, Tess discovers an unlikely muse in the form of Michael, a hard-working fisherman with a secret talent for singing, who also has his own struggles. Tess and Michael begin to connect, bonding over their shared love of music but ultimately must contend with their respective demons.

The film is exceptionally well-acted, with Kelly Van der Burg delivering a powerful performance as the emotionally fragile Tess. Joel Thomas Hynes and Lawrence Barry also turn in strong performances as Michael and Tess's brother respectively. The cinematography, which is dominated by stunning landscape shots of St. John's, is particularly noteworthy.

Body And Bones is a raw and deeply affecting portrait of grief, mental illness, and the lengths that people go to try and find creative inspiration. Director Melanie Oates wisely keeps the focus on her characters, giving them room to breathe and evolve over the course of the film's 95-minute runtime.

While the film isn't always easy to watch, particularly in scenes involving Tess's mother's illness or Tess's disordered eating, it is unflinching and honest in its portrayal of mental health issues. It also paints a romanticized picture of rural living, showing the harshness of their simple lifestyle and constant hard work.

Throughout the film, there are moments of genuine humor and warmth that provide a sense of hope amidst the struggles. The moments when Tess and Michael share their music is particularly electrifying and heartwarming, showcasing the transformative potential of the arts.

The film's final act, which sees Tess and Michael coming to terms with their shared struggles, is both uplifting and melancholic, bringing the story full circle in a satisfying and emotionally resonant way.

Overall, Body And Bones is a remarkable achievement, revealing the struggles of mental health in rural people. It is a moving drama with excellent performances, stunning visuals, and a keen sense of emotional realism that will stay with the viewers long after the film's conclusion.

Body And Bones is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.