The Cinematheque

A harrowing study of religious fanaticism, grief, and repressed sexuality, this gripping gothic drama is the latest feature from Simon Lavoie, co-director of Those Who Make Revolution Halfway Only Dig Their Own Graves, a Canada’s Top Ten pick last year. ​“Freely adapted” from Gaétan Soucy’s acclaimed novel and set in rural Quebec in the 1930s, the film examines the isolated Soissons family. The father drinks himself blind every night and delivers unhinged sermons to his two progeny. His death leaves the children fending for themselves, questioning his strange teachings, and uncovering disturbing family secrets. Filmed in stunning black and white, The Little Girl rivals Revolution in its audacity and intelligence. Part horror movie, part scathing social criticism, it is shot through with a fevered, twisted eroticism and driven by truly daring performances, especially from its two young leads. —Steve Gravestock, TIFF