If you are of a certain vintage you may have seen a fair share of “teen turmoil” genre films. In “Verona” gone are the “Rebel Without a Cause” monikers of teen turmoil such as boys, cars, teen hanky panky and overbearing parental authority. “Verona” as a Segway into modern teen turmoil becomes a bit more complicated and topical.
Camila (Kat Khan) is a teen living in small town of Verona somewhat near Kingston, Ontario about halfway between Toronto and Montreal. Camila has a lot on her plate including a lesbian relationship with McKenzie (Basia Wyszynski) a United Church minister, drugs and a variety of sexual encounters in an attempt to discover her identity. Is she falling for Eric (Eric McDonald) the trans budding chef?
If you have seen a plethora of teen turmoil movies “Verona” falls into that genre and may impress the teen turmoil novice otherwise this dim lit film others nothing more than a dose of modernity to the teen turmoil genre. Why all the cows? Why can’t McKenzie deliver a convincing sermon? What is this wondering about grandpa accomplishing? What does Camila’s father and his sexually abusive father have to do with anything.
Does Camila learn anything from her experimental dalliances? Yes. Her actions have consequences.
Written and directed by Sebastian Back.
Theatrical Canadian release 3November2023 and VOD/Digital on 5December2023.
RKS 2023 Film Rating 67/100.
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