Ithaqua Film Review

★★★★

Directed by: Casey Walker

Written by: Casey Walker, Peter Scott Vicaire, Pascal Trottier

Starring: Luke Hemsworth, Kevin Durand, Craig Lauzon, Michael Pitt

Film Review by: Jason Knight

A Canadian period horror feature directed by Casey Walker, written by Walker, Peter Scott Vicaire and Pascal Trottier and starring Luke Hemsworth, Kevin Durand, Craig Lauzon and Michael Pitt.

It is recommended that people do not look up what ''Ithaqua'' means before they view the film, in the interest of avoiding spoilers.

Now, the plot: The year is 1821, and the location is a remote fur trade outpost named Fort Thomas in Canada. It is winter and snow has covered everything. American mercenary Cole (Hemsworth) is responsible for hunting and bringing food to the outpost. One night, a mysterious Native American girl arrives and is brought into the Fort. Soon after, faced with the issue of running low on food, the ones in charge decide to send a small trading party that includes Cole to locate the stranger's tribe in the hope of acquiring some food. During their journey, the group encounters a sinister force that threatens the lives of everyone.

To better comprehend the contents of this film, one should think of the likes of From Dusk Till Dawn and the Oscar-winning feature Sinners. The narrative begins as a period drama about an isolated outpost, where finding food appears to be the main problem, along with tensions between Cole and his superiors. Things take a very dark turn when supernatural forces enter the picture, leading to many brutal killings and a desperate fight for survival. The screenplay effectively explores the characters, their struggles, and creates an atmosphere filled with dread and violence.

The mise-en-scene is impressive, establishing an early nineteenth-century environment. The buildings, tipis (tents utilised by Native Americans), and weaponry look fantastic, and so does the clothing, the latter being the terrific work of costume designer Kristin Somborac. The dark force that threatens the characters turns people into sort of maniacs hungry for flesh, and the make-up and gore effects deserve commendations.

The film is beautifully shot, with Walker creating some wonderful aerial shots of snow-covered landscapes that are supported by Bryn McCashin's cinematography, and the music is the kind that encourages dynamic emotions of adventure.

Hemsworth's character has a troubled past. He is a hardened and well-meaning man who evidently wants to move on to better things. Leenah Robinson plays Cole's love interest and ally, a young Native American who lives just outside the outpost. American Michael Pitt and Canadian Kevin Durand are impressive as British nationals and military personnel, with Pitt's character pretty much being the antagonist and Durand's being a foe-turned-ally to Cole.

This story is about survival, morality, dread, desperation and isolation. Simultaneously, it also explores Native Americans and Algonquian folklore.

A desperate fight for survival. A battle of Good versus Evil. A brutal and blood-soaked tale that utilises Native American myths in order to tell a story.

Ithaqua has its World Premiere at FrightFest London on Saturday 29^th August. Coming soon to UK cinemas.