Life is difficult enough, and sometimes when others’ problems enter the mix things become too difficult to handle. Life also acts as a Canvas, a place where anything and everything is possible, and each individual person will create something unique to themselves. Canvas represents this on a very intimate level–expressing to viewers the importance of mental health, emotional struggle, and a simple smile. Things are obviously different for everyone–but the things we share are instrumental in how we navigate life–and we all have that in common.
I love the lighting; I love how bright and vibrant Canvas is. It’s almost fictitious, fabricated to bring to life all that plays out on screen–but it’s beautiful. Everyone would associate a canvas with art–and the artistic approach taken in regard to the lighting is reflective of the film’s title and its purpose. The lighting obviously helps viewers see the things occurring on screen, and it never fails to do so–but the reality is that it plays a far greater role in Canvas. It’s very much a part of the narrative, as it helps to shine a literal and figurative light that transcends the entirety of the film. It helps to relay information to viewers about the life and the characters seen on screen–constantly driving the film forward and adding to the film’s suspense.
Canvas represents the beautiful picture that we paint throughout our lives. Our purpose is like a work of art, meaning far more to others than I think we could ever imagine. This message is one that exists throughout the entirety of Canvas, and it’s nearly impossible to miss this. Again, the light plays a pivotal role in viewers hearing and understanding this message–as, even the tonally dark moments of the film are driven by light. It’s the light that makes everything possible–and I can’t speak highly enough of the time and effort put into the film in this regard.
Canvas is a beautiful story, one that can be challenging at times to watch. The horrifying things that occur on screen can sometimes challenge viewers, make it difficult for them to watch, and even harder to stomach. The harsh realities of life are pivotal to the story present in Canvas, and Writer-Director Sean Mackenzie refuses to pull any punches, leaning heavily into truth and honesty rather than fabricating anything for his film. His ability to speak the truth, to adhere to the guidelines of reality makes the film infinitely more accessible. It allows viewers to understand the conversations that play out, the characters that exist, and the overall story present in Canvas. There isn’t a single piece of this puzzle that doesn’t reach viewers, that doesn’t allow them to appreciate not just the things being said in the film, but the things that play out around them as well.
In a film this passionate, one that refuses to falter, one that never fails to reach its audience. Mackenzie creates something so genuine, so authentic that viewers have no choice but to see themselves in the characters and in the film as a whole. It’s impressive what he’s able to create, and as Canvas played out, there was never a doubt in my mind that this film would find success. It’s emotionally and aesthetically beautiful, and the use of light to bring just about everything to life is one of the most impressive things I’ve seen in film so far this year.
Written & Directed by Sean Mackenzie.
Starring Dan Berkey, Connor Paradis, Alessandra Lopez, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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