Dealing with a terminal illness and the
grief after the inevitable death can affect people in many different ways. Some
can’t handle seeing a loved one in extreme pain as they wither away pain while
others are present giving as much care and comfort as they can. It’s even more
challenging when one of the two special people to the patient completely
withdraws from the scene. That’s
the case here in Jordan Canning’s sophomore effort Suck It Up.
Ronnie (Grace Glowicki) and Faye (Erin
Carter) are two former best friends and principals of the film. Ronnie has been
on a self-destructive downward spiral since her brother’s Garrett’s death of
cancer drinking and drugging constantly while spending time hanging out in her
brother’s room wearing his clothes.
Faye who also happened to be Garrett’s ex-girlfriend is trying to land a
job as a teacher having been estranged from the family since Garrett broke up
with her a year ago to save her the fate of seeing him deteriorate. After a
mishap with a lawnmower, Ronnie’s mom Dina (Nancy Kerr) calls Faye to come and
help noting that her stepdaughter had hit rock bottom. At first, Faye tries to help Ronnie in the
family Calgary home but then she takes a bold step of loading the passed out
Ronnie into Garret's vintage Mustang for a road trip to the family Invermere B.C. cottage for a change of scenery.
The pair clash along stereotypical lines at first but soon revert more to the
centre as they interact with several colourful locals.
Director Canning tells a story that has
almost universal appeal. Just about everyone has suffered loss and been in a situation where they felt
that they had contributed more than someone else. The summer events chip away
at Faye’s prim and proper exterior while Glowicki devours the role of wild
child Ronnie taking the opportunity to breathe in all the goodness that the
Columbia Valley can provide. Cinematographer Guy Godfree lens adds depth and
context to the production displaying the Mountain ridges and lush valleys of
the territory.
Suck
It Up shows that millennials to have some depth
responsibility and are willing to look out for each other. Especially taking
into accounts today’s climate it was refreshing to see how often Ronnie’s
friends and acquaintances looked out for her when she was in vulnerable
positions. The film also had a strong message for those that have a health or
physical issue that they can manage it and get on with life.
Suck It Up | Jordan Canning | Canada | 2017
|101 Minutes.
Tags: Cancer, Bender, Black Eye, MDNA,
Invermere, Asthma, Diabetes, Stuttering, Canada Day, Mustang, Skype, Interview.
Mud Wrestling.
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