Watch The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw

The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw is a 2019 drama film directed by Shelley Niro that follows Mitzi, a young Indigenous woman, as she navigates her 25th year of life in a small town in Canada. The film stars Morningstar Angeline as Mitzi, Andrew Martin as Travis, Mitzi's best friend, and Ajuawak Kapashesit as Gary, a newcomer to the town with a mysterious past.

Mitzi is a free-spirited artist who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is caught between her traditional Indigenous roots and the modern world, and she is unsure of what path to take. Travis, her longtime friend, is also struggling with his own issues. He is a single father who is trying to provide for his son while dealing with the aftermath of a failed relationship.

As the film progresses, Mitzi and Travis begin to see that they have a deeper connection than just friendship. They share a deep understanding of each other's struggles and often turn to each other for comfort and support. Mitzi also meets Gary, a newcomer to the town who is carrying a heavy burden. She is drawn to him and his mysterious past, but she also senses that he is dangerous.

The film explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging. Mitzi is grappling with her identity as an Indigenous woman and the expectations that come with it. She feels pressure to conform to traditional expectations while also trying to carve out her own path in life. Travis, on the other hand, is struggling to find his place as a single father and provider. He is torn between his responsibilities and his own desires.

The setting of the film is also significant. It takes place in a small town in Canada, where Indigenous culture is woven into the fabric of the community. The film showcases Indigenous music, art, and culture in a way that is not often portrayed in mainstream media. It offers a unique perspective on contemporary Indigenous life and challenges the stereotypes often associated with Indigenous people.

In terms of visuals, the film is stunning. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Canadian landscape and showcases the vibrant colors and textures of Indigenous art. The film also incorporates animation and dreamlike sequences, which add a surreal and magical quality to the story.

Overall, The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw is a powerful and moving film that explores complex themes with nuance and grace. It offers a unique and authentic portrayal of contemporary Indigenous life and showcases the incredible talent of Indigenous filmmakers and actors.

The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.