Maggie (Shayelin Martin) is a thirteen-year-old with “an issue” which initially may be having you wandering down the depressing rocky road of a severe neurological disease. Occasionally she sees sparkles and murky clouds around objects and her sensory reception all around seems skewered. And top that off with being an insecure teen with low self esteem. Concerns deepen with her interactions with a sassy Barbie-Buzz Lightyear like doll, Captain Cassiope, incessantly communicating Maggie’s insecurities back to her. Is the film wavering between a comedy or tragedy?
Maggie has just moved to Sault Ste. Marie a small town in Northern Ontario. Although it is fueled by professional opportunities for her nerdy-short sleeved father and mother, Maggie is stuck in a rut with high regrets for the family move. And her younger sister Evie (Zooey Schneider), one of the most quirky and obnoxious but highly delightful characters to hit the Canadian big screen, adds a bit of torment to her life.
Coping with her neurological issues Maggie must deal with bullying at school and a bout of puppy love with Travis (Steven He) an actor in her father’s theatre company. Luckily for Maggie she makes a school chum Wendy (Mikayla Kong) and is under the compassionate wings of her art teacher Ms. Deering (Deborah McGrath).
As the viewer prepares for impending tragedy early in the movie some contra-tragic assurances may be received by the quirky “Nam veteran” handyman Gil (Colin Mochrie) who doesn’t hesitate to use dynamite as a pest control method for a rat!
Maggie is diagnosed with a neurological issue which, believe it or not, may be a blessing in disguise, And you thought a tumour. Whew!
Struggling through a plenitude of cheesy music is poor teen Maggie who receives a shocking knock you off the chair revelation by Wendy superbly managed by director and writer Nicola Rose equally well handling the delicate and imaginary puppy love relationship of Maggie’s with adult Travis.
Deftly aimed at the teen market but with elements that won’t leave adults gagging over maudlinistic messages.
One must note the commanding, warm and earnest performance of Debra McGrath.
Available Digitally/VOD.
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Film Rating 77/100.
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