Watch Trouble in the Garden

Trouble in the Garden is a 2018 Canadian drama film centered around a young Native American named Lee (Cara Gee) who returns home to her family's reservation after living in the city for years. The film is directed by Roz Owen and is her feature-length directorial debut. As soon as Lee arrives on the reservation, she is confronted with her past and the issues that led her to leave in the first place. She discovers that her mother, who suffers from mental illness, has gone missing, and she sets out to find her. While on this search, Lee reconnects with her roots and heritage, and begins to reassess her priorities.

Throughout the film, Lee's journey is juxtaposed with flashbacks to her childhood, where she and her siblings were taken away from their mother and placed in foster care. These flashbacks add depth to Lee's character and help the audience understand the choices she has made in her life.

Alongside Lee's story is the story of her childhood friend, Brendon (Jon Cor), who has grown up to be a police officer on the reservation. Brendon is torn between his loyalty to the reservation and his job as a law enforcement officer, and must grapple with the difficult decisions that come with his position.

As Lee searches for her mother, she discovers many secrets that have been hidden from her for years. She uncovers corruption and deceit, and finds herself caught between those who want to keep the truth hidden and those who want to expose it. This puts her in danger, and she must navigate both the external and internal conflicts she faces.

The film tackles many important themes, including mental illness, addiction, and the historical trauma that has affected Native American communities. It also highlights the complexities of police work on Indian reservations, where officers must balance enforcing the law with understanding the cultural nuances of the communities they serve.

Cara Gee delivers a powerful performance as Lee, capturing the character's emotional journey with authenticity and nuance. Jon Cor shines as Brendon, conveying the character's internal struggle and conflicting loyalties convincingly. Fiona Reid, who plays Lee's mother, also delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and complexity to the character despite her limited screen time.

Overall, Trouble in the Garden is a thought-provoking and compelling film that will linger with viewers long after the credits roll. Roz Owen's directorial debut showcases a strong understanding of character development, pacing, and storytelling. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the challenges and complexities of life on Native American reservations, as well as those who appreciate powerful and moving cinema.

Trouble in the Garden is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.