Watch Wilby Wonderful

Set in the small, picturesque town of Wilby on Nova Scotia's south shore, Wilby Wonderful is a charming and touching comedy-drama about a group of intersecting lives that converge over the course of one day. The story follows several characters as they navigate personal crises and intersecting relationships in the town. Dan (James Allodi) is a real estate agent struggling to sell a house with a dark past while grappling with his own private demons. His ex-wife, Duck (Molly Parker), is a competitive cyclist looking for a fresh start away from the town's emotional baggage. Buddy (Callum Keith Rennie) is a photographer who takes on a government grant to document the town's youth, though his own family concerns are calling him away. Meanwhile, Carol (Sandra Oh) is a workaholic executive who returns to Wilby just in time to bury her father.

Amidst this cast of characters are a host of supporting players whose lives intersect in interesting and unexpected ways, including the local fisherman and the mysterious man who lives in the lighthouse. All of these threads converge in a surprising and emotional finale that will leave you feeling uplifted and hopeful.

The film is beautifully shot and scored, capturing the tranquil beauty of the Nova Scotia landscape while perfectly complementing the film's themes and mood. The performances are uniformly excellent, with James Allodi turning in a standout performance as the conflicted Dan, while Callum Keith Rennie brings a quiet intensity to his role as Buddy.

What sets Wilby Wonderful apart, however, is its willingness to tackle weighty themes while maintaining a lightness of touch that never feels forced or heavy-handed. The film examines issues of loss, regret, and redemption in a nuanced and heartfelt way, with a strong emphasis on the importance of community and connection.

Perhaps most strikingly, however, is the film's depiction of mental health issues. Both Dan and Carol suffer from mental illness, and the film manages to portray their struggles with sensitivity and compassion without ever losing sight of the humor and warmth that infuses the rest of the story.

Overall, Wilby Wonderful is a gem of a movie that deserves more attention than it has received. It's a touching, funny, and deeply humane film that will leave you feeling both uplifted and moved. Highly recommended.