REVIEWS

from theatrical screenings in Toronto (The Royal Cinema, The Grand Gerrard Theatre) and St. Catharines (The Film House)

NOW MAGAZINE (TORONTO) RATING: NNN = ENTERTAINING “Astrid Van Wieren anchors this drama about a social worker driven by charity, white-knighting and guilt”

“As a social worker whose life is spinning out of control, Astrid Van Wieren gives a masterful performance. The ironic story and its telling are like something out of Flannery O'Connor.“ (playwright Rose Cullis)

“A fresh and thoughtful ode to helping others. Astrid Van Wieren is fantastic in Jon Michaelson's emotional portrayal of a group of very different people struggling with their demons.” writer/director Kat Sandler)

“Strong performances - This film creates a lot of tension all the way through as it explores violence against women and the institutional blindness to this issue, and how this seeps into a world view and shapes experiences and relationships.” (film director Carolyn Combs)

“The best Indie Film I’ve seen in a long time. The performances were excellent. It was really an ensemble. The balance of happy and sad allowed me to stay engaged throughout.” (playwright David. S Craig)

“A very moving piece with complex characters interweaved in an intriguing plot line” (composer John Roby)

“Astrid Van Wieren is the soulful catalyst at the centre of The River You Step In, which brings together a number of compelling stories to form a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of the human spirit" (filmmaker Moze Mossanen)

“It's a wonderful story. Full of compassion…Great work. I loved the characters and the actors, the camera work and locations” (Lianne Ritchie, 51westdesign)

“Stevie is a truly unique, yet understandable character and Astrid Van Wieren plays her beautifully. I was so on board with her, even when she was making mistakes. And I feel the same way about Claire Burns’ character Tracy. Two complex, imperfect women whose actions feel true. Well done!” (Briana Brown, director)

“The River You Step In is a resonant exploration of the cost and rewards of caring, the pain of losing, and the grace of learning to move on. Stevie's journey towards acceptance speaks to all of us who have ever had to find a way to come to terms with our mistakes.“ (Erika Warmbrunn, author, Where The Pavement Ends)