Oh, Canada

As a writer and director Paul Schrader has been fairly consistent with both for a while now. The results have been mixed lately and this adaptation of the late Russell Banks’s novel (which I haven’t read) isn’t going to change that pattern.

Acclaimed documentary maker and professor Leo Fife (Richard Gere) has consented to a video interview that will cover his life's work and delve into personal issues. Directed by former pupils Malcom (Michael Imperioli) and Diana (Victoria Hill). His wife (another former student) Emma (Uma Thurman) is sitting and keeping a close eye on proceedings. Leo’s natural offhand manner is further complicated by his terminal cancer.

Through a complex mixture of flashback, narration and mixing timelines, the story evolves through events. A young Leo (Jacob Elordi) whose offered a post in family business, just as he’s due to move away with his wife to another part of the country.

There’s his Vietnam draft dodge that sees him cross the border into Canada. There he establishes himself as a documentary director, receives great acclaim, and tenure at a university.

The jumbling up of timelines and actor’s characters by Schrader doesn’t make this an easy film to engage with, regardless of how accomplished the acting is. The only one that can call on the empathy of the viewer is Thurman who as Emma genuinely has Leo’s health as a priority. The same cannot be said of the filmmakers or not in that sense.

And that is the major flaw in the film. None of the characters apart from one introduced late in the film are very likeable. Leo’s cancer is of course going to have some effect on his character, and his crossing thoughts and use of black and white and colour, possibly reflect that.

But regardless, this person wasn’t very nice to start with as he uses and exploits people and situations. In some respects, it's hardly surprising his students turned out the way they did.

Oh, Canada will be on UK and Irish digital platforms from 12 January 2026 from Blue Finch Film Releasing.