Watch An Audience of Chairs

An Audience of Chairs is a heart-wrenching drama film that follows the life of Maura Mackenzie, a renowned pianist, who struggles with a mental illness that eventually leads her to abandon her family and career in search of solace in the woods of Newfoundland. The movie begins with a flashback of Maura as a young girl playing the piano for her mother, who is dismissive of her talents. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as Maura's mental illness is often met with misunderstanding and neglect from those around her.

Throughout the film, we see Maura's deterioration as she becomes more detached from reality and her loved ones. Her husband, Duncan, played by Peter MacNeill, struggles to understand her condition and becomes frustrated with her increasingly erratic behavior. Meanwhile, her daughter, Heather, played by Carolina Bartczak, tries to reconnect with her mother while also dealing with her own personal struggles.

Gord Rand plays David, a local fisherman who befriends Maura and helps her with her reclusive lifestyle in the woods. Despite his best efforts, Maura's mental illness continues to worsen, leading to a poignant and emotional climax that leaves the audience with a sense of sadness and longing.

An Audience of Chairs tells a story of the toll that mental illness can take on not just an individual, but their entire family and support system. It is a powerful exploration of the challenges faced by those suffering from such illnesses and the often painful journey toward recovery.

The film is beautifully shot, with breathtaking scenery of the Newfoundland wilderness that serves as a stark contrast to Maura's isolation and inner turmoil. The performances from the cast, particularly Bartczak and MacNeill, are powerful and emotional, conveying the pain and sadness that accompanies mental illness.

Overall, An Audience of Chairs is a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of mental illness and the impact it can have on those affected by it. It is a powerful and moving story that will stay with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

An Audience of Chairs is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.