Matt and Mara

Kazik Radwanski’s follow-up to Anne at 13,000 Feet explores the fraught, ambiguous relationship between two writers. Matt (Matt Johnson) is a celebrated author of short fiction and Mara (Deragh Campbell) works in the realms of both poetry and prose. The two reconnect in Toronto, where Mara lives, and what follows are some tricky negotiations: between camaraderie and artistic difference, friendship and personality clash, romantic attraction and visceral unease.

Matt and Mara is directed with an attentive naturalism—an alertness to the nuances of behaviour that shape how we perceive each other, and that many filmmakers are unable to capture. Radwanski’s greatest asset is his ability to hone in on small details without sacrificing rhythm and momentum: from the opening scene to the wonderfully poetic conclusion, his film maintains a propulsive urgency. Campbell and Johnson give deeply committed performances: her Mara radiates a keen intelligence and a defensive toughness, while his Matt exudes awkwardness and vitality in equal measure. Together with Radwanski, they’ve created indelible moments within a work of deep integrity.

This is a careful, considered and considerate film, an authentic portrait of two people at a transformative moment full of all the life and humour and contradictions shared by us all.

Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

Very satisfying… a blend of warmth and breezy charm… Even at a briskly paced 80 minutes, Matt and Mara manages to be remarkably astute about its central relationship’s cocktail of suppressed desire and professional envy.

Jason Anderson, Sight & Sound

Perceptive, abrasive and frequently acerbically funny.

Wendy Ide, Screen Daily