A Simple Curve

Set in the remote mountains of British Columbia, A Simple Curve tells the earnest yet engaging story of Caleb (Kris Lemche) – a young man who’s arrived at a crossroads in his life. He can either follow in the footsteps of Jim (Michael Hogan), his father, and become an old-fashioned woodworker, or he can step out on his own and do something completely different. Complicating matters is the arrival of Matthew, an old family friend (played by Matt Craven), who has a lucrative offer for Caleb and Jim – though Caleb soon realizes that Jim’s decades-old rivalry with Matthew could threaten the deal. Written and directed by Aubrey Nealon, A Simple Curve emphasizes atmosphere and character development over plot – a choice that absolutely works, thanks primarily to the better-than-expected performances and David Geddes’ vivid cinematography (the film is packed with breathtaking shots of the B.C. landscape). There’s a real sense of authenticity at work here, as Nealon nicely captures the vibe of small-town life. And though the film loses some of its focus towards the end with the emergence of a few predictable and overly melodramatic plot developments, there’s absolutely no denying the effectiveness of Lemche’s sincere, honest performance.

*** out of ****