We often hear about the Canadian side of Niagara Falls but know little about the actual town. Disappearance at Clifton Hill makes Niagara Falls a co-star in this mystery film from someone who knows the area.
Albert Shin did this film as the follow-up to In Her Place, the heralded film shot in South Korea. Shin directed Disappearance at Clifton Hill and co-wrote the screenplay with James Schultz.
Abby (English actor Tuppence Middleton) grew up in Niagara Falls and comes back to the town after her mother passes away. The distant memory of what she remembers as a kidnapping of a small boy when she was a child comes back to her once she is back in Niagara Falls.
Abby's sister Laure (Hannah Gross) doesn't think much of her sister's story. Abby wants to keep the dilapidated motel her mother owned while Laure wants to sell the motel.
Abby seeks out the help of a true crime podcast host Walter (David Cronenberg).
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The film uncovers layers one might expect in a small town about power and corruption. The better story is about the kidnapping, how a child can disappear even in a small town and barely get noticed.
The mystery level is rather good, not easily solved. Niagara Falls is definitely a co-star in the film, setting a special mood.
Middleton has to carry a lot of the film. In an otherwise brilliantly cast film, she is the weak link. Gross is the better actor but gets the thankless role of the sister.
Andy McQueen received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Others in the cast include Marie-Josée Croze, Noah Reid, Dan Lett, Eric Johnson, Aaron Poole, Connor Jessup, and Elizabeth Saunders.
The film works well overall. The darkness of the setting fits the film well. Shin does a good job at engaging us in the whole film not just the mystery.
Disappearance at Clifton Hill received 4 Canadian Screen Award nominations for the 2020 ceremony. We noted the Best Supporting Actor nomination earlier for McQueen as well as Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Editing.
Disappearance at Clifton Hill can be found on Hulu in the United States and CBC Gem in Canada.
video credit: YouTube/IFC Films
photo credit: Disappearance at Clifton Hill
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