There’s a certain simplicity surrounding Cold November, a small indie film that was successfully funded through Kickstarter. From its seemingly straightforward plot to the low budget aesthetic, this Karl Jacob directed film is not this summer’s big blockbuster feature. However, Cold November‘s ambitions are just as grand, exploring themes of womanhood, the cycle of life and death, and our relationship to nature. Lovers of small coming-of-age films will be surprised at just how many layers of depth surround this small indie.
Cold November‘s premise is simple and like most coming-of-age stories, it manages to grow into something beyond its initial start. The film’s main protagonist is none other than Florence (Bijou Abas), a 12-year-old girl just on the cusp of womanhood. Her matriarchal family consists of her mother, Amanda (Anna Klemp), her wise old grandmother Georgia (Mary Kay Fortier-Spalding), and her aunt Mia (Heidi Fellner). Each November, the family goes hunting for deer and this year, Florence, equipped with a gun license and a brand new rifle, will get to join in this family tradition.
Life, Death, Life, Death…
Just like any good life experience, the hunting trip evolves into a lesson for the soon-to-be woman. Now equipped with the tools to take a life, Florence realizes that hunting is more than just shooting a deer. Looming in the background is the death of a relative that continues to haunt the family. Jacob‘s smart writing pieces together scenes that reveal each character’s coping strategies. It’s up to the audience to piece together all the scenes, and if you take the time, there’s a rewarding quality that reveals another layer to Cold November.
Jacob‘s thoughtful writing and directing combo gives the film layers of depth. Just like a cold November wind, the surprising themes of the film are mature, real, and deep. He requires from the viewer a working attention, one that is actively listening and attentive. It’s the small moments and director of photography Benjamin Kasulke‘s inspired cinematography that aggravate the film beyond its simple start, and without this attentiveness, you may not get the full experience.
A Celebration Of Women
Cold November‘s simplicity is a strength as much as it can sometimes be a weakness. The subtle and brilliant acting of the whole crew is a blessing to the film, as it feels real and incredibly candid. Bijou Abas shines in the main role as the young Florence. Her performance is quiet, awe-inspiring, and brilliant. Her ability as a young actress surpasses the common need to overact in child actors. The rest of the ensemble is equally impressive. The women surrounding Abas all deliver quiet but memorable performances. Director Karl Jacob also does double duty and showcases his acting ability, especially a strong showing during an end monologue.
There’s a sense that Jacob‘s work is a collective effort from the women around him. His clever uses of feminine imageries in his film should be a role-model for other films. These moments further prove the film’s focus on the feminine and femaleness. Juxtaposing these themes in a male-dominated sport also help subvert our ideas of femininity.
Florence’s journey to womanhood is a celebration of female biology. When she discovers her first period, it becomes a tool rather than a curse. However, this journey is not all biological. It’s also about finding strength and courage as well as understanding complex life situations. These are cliché coming-of-age themes, but by exploring them through femaleness and using femininity cleverly and positively, Cold November surmounts expectations.
Cold November: Conclusion
However, as brilliant as the cast and director can be, its simplicity, through cinematography or story, can also produce unengaging moments. The film’s quiet nature and simple plot can sometimes drag as characters are left to ponder life’s toughest moments. It doesn’t always manages to keep your attention, but when Kasulke’s inspired cinematography and the cast’s strong acting appear on screen, Cold November demands your attention and it surely gets it.
It’s undeniable that its ambitions and strive to tackle tough existential questions from a female perspective is a bold choice. It is the film’s strong cast and writing that elevate it from its simplistic beginnings into a beautiful and smart celebration of femininity. It’s the kind of film that takes its viewers on a journey, and if you follow it closely, Cold November is sure to take you by surprise.
What are your thoughts on Cold November?
Cold November is currently available on iTunes.
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