Northern Shade: Review

19th June 2023

Justin McLaughlin (Jessie Gavin) is a reclusive veteran still dealing with the trauma of what he experienced. Then one day he’s contacted by a private detective named Michelle (Rose Marie Guess) who tells him that his brother, Charlie has been indoctrinated into a local militia group.

Concerned for his brother’s safety, Justin finds a way inside and when he meets their leader, Billy (Romano Orzari) it seems that his worst fears are confirmed to be true. Trying to get help from the police because he doesn’t know whether his brother is alive or dead, he starts to realise that he’ll have to take matters into his own hands.

Northern Shade is a crime drama written and directed by Christopher Rucinski. A movie that feels contained and personal, provides good performances by its cast although there could have been a clearer tone.

The story of a man looking for a missing relative who has special skills when it comes to combat may make audiences think that Northern Shade may be a more action orientated movie. However, it seems that writer/director Rucinski has a lot more in mind than a simple revenge movie. The romantic subplot between Justin and Michelle may also evoke a more emotional drama in the audience’s minds as Justin comes to term with his past while battling PTSD.

However, it seems that Northern Shade is a mixture of both and whereas the issues surrounding Justin’s mental health are something often covered in movies like this, it seems that there is too much surrounding his trauma.

Whilst doing both at once, it feels like the movie doesn’t really know where to sit. On the one hand there is a thoughtful drama about a man trying to come to terms with his past, but on the other the inevitable final act could be in danger of undermining this issue.

Feeling like Northern Shade wants to have its cake and eat it as well, elements of the drama are still thoughtfully portrayed. However, when it comes to the conclusion, these elements are pushed aside which make the movie feel like the previous events were forgotten.

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