Good Neighbors
(2010)
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Good Neighbors
(2010)
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Watch Trailer 0Share... |
Cast overview: | |||
Jay Baruchel | ... | ||
Anne-Marie Cadieux | ... | ||
Diane D'Aquila | ... | ||
Xavier Dolan | ... | ||
Gary Farmer | ... | ||
Clara Furey | ... | ||
Nathalie Girard | ... | ||
Emily Hampshire | ... | ||
Kaniehtiio Horn | ... | ||
Pat Kiely | ... | ||
Micheline Lanctôt | ... |
Mme Gauthier
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Sean Lu | ... |
Mr. Chou
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Scott Speedman | ... |
Spencer
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Jacob Tierney | ... |
Jonah
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Kevin Tierney | ... |
Jérôme Langlois
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Takes place in 1995, the year of the second referendum on the separation of Quebec. In the dead of winter, a serial killer is on the loose in the small Montreal neighborhood of Notre Dame de Grace. The tenants of an old apartment house must figure out who they can trust and who they can't. Written by oddity94
It's the story of three strange friendships, with a serial killer lurking in the background. Lives of the three single people, two guys and a gal, all under age 30, become intertwined over a five-month period as a result of living in close proximity in a Montreal apartment building. The film is less a whodunit than a play of mind games, as unlikely events collide, to force the three to question each others motives, then plot ways to a self-interested outcome.
The three characters are mildly interesting, though the Victor character is so neurotic, and dense to others' cues, he quickly becomes grating. I see that as a script problem. There are also a couple of significant plot holes. And the ending I find less than satisfying, as it leaves viewers wondering, and questions unanswered.
Casting is acceptable. Acting is fine given the subdued story line. Visuals trend a bit dark. Most of the plot is set indoors. "Good Neighbors" is a low-budget film, and uses a minimal cast and minimal sets. Overall, the film has a pleasantly European look and feel, with interspersed French dialogue, Canadian accents, musty interiors, and cold climate exteriors.
If you're looking for a whodunit, or an extravagant production, or a film of great thematic depth, look elsewhere. Notwithstanding weakness previously described, "Good Neighbors" excels at character drama, with a touch of low-key quirkiness; a cozy, intimate little film worth a one-time watch on a cold winter night.