A historical drama depicting an Irish immigrant family’s first winter in Canada, where isolation, illness, and an unforgiving landscape test their will to survive.
Cinematography
Harsh white landscapes that swallow characters whole.
Acting
Silent suffering, no melodrama needed.
Direction
Smith lets winter be the real villain.
Director
John N. Smith
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made by the National Film Board of Canada during a golden era of state-funded shorts.
Director John N. Smith later made The Boys of St. Vincent—this was his harsh apprenticeship.
CA
