Rosie is a warm-hearted Canadian tale about love in chosen families. Set in 1980s Montreal, Rosie (Keris Hope Hill) is a young orphaned child who, following her mother’s death, is sent to live with her only known relative, artist Aunt Frederique (Melanie Bray). Frederique, however, lives a very chaotic, hand-to-mouth existence and can barely look after herself, let alone anyone else. Frederique also doesn’t want the responsibility of looking after the feisty Rosie but reluctantly takes 
her in to avoid Rosie going into state care. Shortly afterwards, Frederique loses her job and also gets evicted from her apartment and the two lost souls embark on a journey of survival. Frederique’s two best friends, the colourful non-binary street-smart Flo (Constant Bernhard) and Mo (Alex Trahan) join them on their trip.
Written, directed and produced by Gail Maurice, Rosie combines colourful set design and vibrant cinematography to show how a disparate group of people can become a loving family. Love makes a family, not blood as we are told. The 1980s Montreal setting feels authentic. Keris Hope Hill as Rosie gives an excellent performance as the inspiring, energetic glue that holds the group together, inspiring and encouraging each individual. Melanie Bray is also truly entertaining as the chaotic Frederique, someone we’d all love to know and hang out with, but would never want to have to rely on. The 1980’s French-inspired soundtrack is excellent, with contributions from Pat Benetar, Favours, Spoons and an excellent cover by Melanie Bray of Blondie’s The Tide is High. At times a little slow-moving and with a slightly literal dialogue in places, the film is worth sticking with and will leave you feeling good.
Rosie is the Opening NightFilm at Image-Nation Film Festival in Montreal 11/18
https://www.image-nation.org/en/schedule-22/
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
Labels: 2022, canadian, chosen families, Gail Maurice, review, Ris Fatah, Rosie
