Mile End Kicks follows the optimistic journey of Grace (Barbie Ferreira), an aspiring music critic looking to write a book on Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill. She decides that the only appropriate place to do so is Montreal, away from the more stale and artistically uninspiring Toronto that she sees around her. So, she sets off only to find herself procrastinating, meeting interesting men in bands and dealing with the fact that writing a book is not only daunting but does not pay regularly.
As a writer/director, Chandler Levack helps you feel seen. Even in what is a very female-centered film, Grace is an empathetic character whose experiences are relatable to anyone who has found themselves in an unfulfilling job or facing an impossible task. She has an agency that is both cringe-worthy and inspiring as we see her make very human (but bad) decisions. Her desires for happiness in the emotional world often clash with what would make her happy professionally, putting her at crossroads with many people in her life. As she navigates love and love of her work, she encounters many funny but cringy situations as the dialogue captures an honesty not often found in a typical romcom.
The film still very much relies on and stays within that genre. It presents a clean look, which contrasts with the messiness of her characters and their work. There are many interesting people who want to be part of the world of art and music, Levack captures that through a constantly moving and hilarious story. Also, not so under the surface is a world of men who want to shut Grace out and her fight to be respected while gaining the other things she desires in life proves to be a task that will take her through emotional highs and lows. Levack bakes a lot of nuance and commentary on the female experience in this romcom adventure that is both a love letter and critique of Montreal. Levack continues to be an essential Canadian voice who’s work quite alive and her films need to be experienced.
Mile End Kicks is playing at TIFF ’25. For more information, click here.
