Nika & Madison stole my heart.
Directed by Eva Thomas, Nika & Madison tells the story of Madison (Star Slade), a young Indigenous woman who is returning home to her community’s reservation. However, after a violent encounter with a police officer leads to disaster, Madison and her friend, Nika (Ellyn Jade) find themselves in the crosshairs of a major investigation. Choosing to go on the rung, the two women find themselves up against a system that feels stacked against them.
Although it’s the first solo feature by Thomas, Nika & Madison is the type of film that one might expect from a more seasoned filmmaker. Featuring a strong script and solid execution, Thomas guides her story through difficult waters with a confident hand. This is a story that highlights some of the most difficult issues facing Indigenous women yet it does so with honesty and humour.
What makes Nika & Madison such a fascinating ride is that it seems to balance two very different tones in its storytelling. On the one hand, the film taps into the trauma of sexual assault with grace and ferocity. On the other, it’s a tale of sisterhood as the two women learn from each other’s perspectives on the world. Despite the ways that they differ, these two stories weave together to create a beautiful tale of fury in the spirit of Thelma & Louise.
Further, credit must be given to some strong performances by Slade and Jade for bringing the characters to life. As Madison, Slade carries herself with the confidence of a city dweller. She has experienced life outside the Rez and feels like she has a solid grip on the way that the rest of the world works. Until she doesn’t. After the encounter with the police, that confidence is stripped away from her, leaving her feeling broken and, maybe for the first time, scared. In these moments, Slade does a wonderful job portraying Madison’s blend of heart and emotional heat. She’s devastated, angry and hopeful all at the same time.
Even so, Madison is held up against strong work by Jade as Nika, a young woman who has never taken the same risks as her friend. Having spent her life on the Rez, Madison has a strong sense of her cultural identity yet she doesn’t have the experience of being outside. This leads to some wonderful tension between the two women as they attempt to navigate their own perspectives on the other side of abuse.
And Thomas’ script never wavers from difficult conversations. As Nika and Madison try to support one another, they also are willing to delve into the struggles of the past that brought them where they are. Leaning into topics like assault, fear and cultural identity, both young women are willing to carry each other’s burdens while challenging one another to heal.
Furthermore, Thomas’ script shows real boldness with its willingness to the horrors of Indigenous issues and their treatment by others. In moments that feel ripped from the headlines, we bear witness to the damage done to reservations as culture is disregarded by the police. We feel the damage done by those who would view Indigenous women as sexual objects. We even experience the frustration of a legal system that seems determined to judge them before they have the facts. In essence, by leaning into some of Canada’s greatest shames, Thomas ensures that Nika & Madison feels true, even if it remains a fictional journey.
It’s worth noting that Nika & Madison is not all doom and gloom. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Many of the moments between the two women are filled with heart and humour that makes their relationship feel authentic. These are fully fleshed out characters with hopes, dreams and a keen sense of who they are.
However, that also makes their journey all the more heartbreaking. With each step towards freedom, Nika and Madison find themselves fighting more than their allegations. They’re battling a system that cares little for their well-being and strip them from their freedom. It’s both terrifyingly real and beautifully executed by Thomas and her team.
Nika & Madison is available in theatres on March 20th, 2026.
