Watch The Twentieth Century

The Twentieth Century is a satirical movie that takes a whimsical look at the life and times of William Lyon Mackenzie King, who served as the Prime Minister of Canada for 22 years. Directed by Matthew Rankin and starring Dan Beirne as William Lyon Mackenzie King, the movie tells the story of King's early years in politics and his ambition to become Canada's greatest leader.

Set in the early 1900s, The Twentieth Century is a bizarre and fantastical retelling of Canadian history that features a cast of characters that are equal parts funny and absurd. King's mother, for example, is portrayed as a giant, disembodied head, while his love interest Ruby Elliott is an ice-skating champion who is constantly seeking ways to improve her form.

As the movie progresses, King's story becomes more and more farcical. In one scene, he is visited by a pair of talking beavers who urge him to "think like a beaver" and embrace the spirit of Canadian culture. In another, he faces off against his political rival Arthur Meighen in a curling match that turns into a full-on brawl.

Despite its fantastical elements, The Twentieth Century is also a thoughtful and provocative exploration of Canadian identity and politics. Through King's character and his relationship with the various people and entities around him, the movie delves into the tension between Canada's British and French heritage, as well as its relationship with its American neighbor.

Throughout the movie, King is haunted by the ghost of his dead father, who urges him to become a great leader and fulfill his destiny. But as he ascends the ranks of Canadian politics, King becomes increasingly aware of the corruption and hypocrisy that lies at the heart of the system.

In one powerful scene, King confronts the Prime Minister in the halls of Parliament and delivers a passionate speech about the need to embrace and celebrate Canada's unique identity. "We are not just British or French or American," he declares. "We are a country of beavers and moose and maple syrup!"

Overall, The Twentieth Century is a delightful and thought-provoking movie that manages to be both hilarious and insightful at the same time. Through its surreal imagery and clever writing, it offers a fresh and unique perspective on Canadian history and identity, while also reminding us of the absurdities and contradictions that lie at the heart of politics.

The Twentieth Century is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 77.