Watch OUR LITTLE HAVEN

Our Little Haven is an emotional and heartwarming family drama that follows two siblings, 16-year-old Sam and 13-year-old Emma, who are forced to leave their hometown and move to a remote farm with their estranged mother, Susan, after their father passes away. Annabelle Lanyon brilliantly portrays Susan as a woman who is grappling with loss, guilt, and a rocky past as she tries to reconnect with her children and make a fresh start.

Liam Joseph, who plays Sam, is a lonely and troubled teenager, struggling with anger issues and a sense of hopelessness. He finds it hard to adapt to the new setting and clashes with his mother, often escaping to the woods, drinking and smoking pot with his new friend Dean, played by Ben Harper. Emma, played by newcomer Aude des Pallieres, is a sensitive and imaginative girl who feels lost and abandoned, but finds solace in nurturing and caring for the farm animals, especially a beautiful white horse named Spirit.

As the family settles into their new life, they encounter several challenges and obstacles, from broken fences to a hostile neighbour who disapproves of their presence. Gradually, they start to bond over their shared experiences and discover a sense of belonging in each other's company. Susan tries to make amends for her mistakes and earn her children's trust, while Sam and Emma learn to forgive and trust her again.

Written and directed by debutante filmmaker Carmen Rose, Our Little Haven brilliantly captures the dynamics of a fractured family struggling to find a way forward. Rose's sensitive and nuanced treatment of the characters makes them relatable and endearing, and her attention to detail in depicting the rural backdrop adds an authentic texture to the film. The music by composer Rachel Meyers is another highlight, seamlessly blending with the narrative to evoke a sense of melancholy and longing.

The film's standout performance, however, is by Annabelle Lanyon, who delivers a captivating portrayal of a conflicted mother trying to reconcile with her past and make amends in the present. Lanyon skilfully navigates between Susan's vulnerability, guilt, and determination, bringing a complex and nuanced portrayal to the character. Liam Joseph, as Sam, delivers a credible performance that is brooding and understated, showcasing his range as an actor. Aude des Pallieres, in her first major role, surprises and impresses with her natural and unaffected acting that imbues Emma with a quiet strength and depth.

The film's production design and cinematography are striking, with the picturesque Canadian landscape serving as a beautiful backdrop to the story. The scenes of the family working on the farm or traversing the woods are beautifully captured, conveying a sense of serenity and peacefulness. The film is slow-paced but never dull, with Rose's deft handling of the emotional beats ensuring that the story moves at a steady pace towards a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, Our Little Haven is a touching and poignant film that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the healing power of family bonds. It is a small gem of a movie that manages to touch the heart without resorting to cheap tricks or melodrama. With stellar performances, stunning visuals, and tender storytelling, Our Little Haven is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good family drama.

In conclusion, Our Little Haven is a testament to Carmen Rose's talent as a filmmaker and the power of independent cinema to tell genuine, heartfelt stories. It is a film that lingers long after the credits have rolled, reminding us of the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit.

OUR LITTLE HAVEN is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.