Film:  That Beautiful Somewhere http://www.thatbeautifulsomewhere.com/

Studio:    Loon Film

Principal actors:  Roy Dupuis, Jane McGregor

Director: Robert Budreau

Screening Date:  September 17, 2007 Kansas International Film Festival

Film length:  93 minutes

Rating:  R (for language) 

4 Stars 

Reviewer:  Deborah Ground Buckner 

Robert Budreau wrote and directed That Beautiful Somewhere, an adaptation from the novel Loon, by A. W. Plumstead.  Police Detective Conk Adams (Roy Dupuis) is called to the scene of excavation for a new development on native swamp land.  A body has been unearthed in the bog.  The investigation begins with a review of missing persons files, but Catherine Nyland, an archaeologist specializing in “bog bodies” (Jane McGregor) is called in to assist.  Catherine determines the body is much older than one from the missing person cases, likely a native who was performing a healing ritual in the bog, reputed to have legendary healing powers. 

Capable and dedicated in her work, Catherine hides a secret from the world.  She suffers from a rare type of migraine disorder, living in constant pain which is evident in her moments alone, collapsing, writhing, and vomiting.  Her interest in the healing powers of the bog goes far beyond professional.  As a relationship develops between Catherine and Conk, she reveals her quest to be healed by the bog.  He introduces her to an old native who explains the healing ritual to her.  A sub-plot involving Catherine's desire to save the bog for the native people in return for this assistance becomes confusing and not clearly developed.            

Throughout the investigation, Conk also faces the decision of whether to terminate life support for his mother who lies in a hospital unresponsive and in pain.  Roy Dupuis gives a strong performance of a weathered detective who isn't as world-weary as he believes himself to be when he reaches his decision.  Still reeling from that process, he decides to do what he can to assist Catherine in the ritual.    As the ritual unfolds, the story of the bog man is also unraveled, with the present characters woven into the relationships of an ancient people.  The ritual of the bog reveals a great story of love and sacrifice. 

That Beautiful Somewhere was filmed in North Bay, Ontario, and the scenery is beautiful, especially a snowy landscape seen from the train as Catherine makes her way to the bog.  The original score by Steve London is haunting and adds to the mood of the film. 

That Beautiful Somewhere received the Slate Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Foreign Film at the California Independent Film Festival; the Jury Award for Best Feature Film-International at the Garden State Film Festival; and the Silver Medal for Excellence for Best Original Score at the Park City Film Music Festival.  The film will be released on DVD September 25.