Exile (2023) User Reviews

Terrible and senseless

[Oakridger · 1/10 · 27 October 2023]

Wow, this was an awful "film". It made little sense and the actors were horrible. Can't believe I got suckered into watching it by the rating. I had to start fast forwarding through it just to tolerate the slow pace and bizarre behaviors in order to find out what happened in the end, which literally made almost no sense.

When it started off I couldn't believe the two people were even a couple - zero chemistry. Other characters also very hard to believe as characters, but were like caricatures instead. This is like watching a practical joke to bother with watching it. I have no idea what the purpose was.

Whistler Film Fest

[koopman44 · 10/10 · 17 October 2023]

Saw this at Whistler Film Fest earlier this year, have not stopped talking about it, excited for family and friends to finally be able to see what I've been going on and on about.

The story us unique, the pacing is perfect, the performances are incredible, both Camille Sullivan and Adam Beach shine in this, the surrounding cast of characters are also wonderful.

Cinematography is sublime, felt genuinely alone in the wilderness at times. Huge congrats to the whole production team, felt privileged to be able to be at what I found out later was the world premiere, only thing that stinks is that it has taken this long for everyone else to see.

Better than my expectation

[Asis-Frio · 9/10 · 29 February 2024]

I watched Exile with a few friends and it was much better than most of other indie and/or small budget movies we have watched this year.

The movie embarks on an ambitious exploration of guilt, redemption, and the human psyche. While it may not hit all the right notes, there are moments that shine like distant stars:

Layered Mystery: The film's enigmatic plot invites viewers to unravel its secrets. Ted Evans, portrayed by Adam Beach, grapples with his past, and the suspense builds as we navigate his fractured memories. The blurred lines between reality and illusion add intrigue.

Scenic Beauty: The cinematography deserves applause. Sweeping landscapes-snow-capped peaks, desolate forests-become characters in their own right. The wilderness mirrors Ted's emotional isolation, and the visual poetry resonates.

Adam Beach's Nuanced Performance: Despite the script's challenges, Beach infuses Ted with vulnerability. His haunted eyes convey a lifetime of regret. When he gazes at the horizon, we glimpse the weight he carries-a testament to Beach's skill.

Themes of Forgiveness and Healing: "Exile" subtly explores forgiveness as a beacon of hope. Ted's journey toward redemption, intertwined with Sara's unwavering love (Camille Sullivan), tugs at our hearts. Their bond, imperfect yet enduring, is the film's emotional core.

Ambiguity as Art: While some may find the film's ambiguity frustrating, it also invites introspection. What is exile? Is it physical or emotional? The film leaves room for interpretation, allowing viewers to engage beyond the screen.

In the quietude of remembrance, "Exile" invites us to ponder our own shadows.

Great movie!

[coreecalkins · 9/10 · 29 February 2024]

The suspense as to whether or not the vengeful father from the DUI incident is really out in the woods or if Adam Beach's character, Ted, is really crazy keeps the audience engaged and looking for clues. I have to admit, I had to watch the ending twice as I didn't really understand it the first time. The sheriff finds out from the former prostitute that Ted hired her to go for walks etc (to find out if he was really being watched and the prostitute was in danger). It's implied that she told the sheriff that she got scared when Ted showed her the room and cage under the floor which is why the sheriff sent the other cop and tries to warn the wife. His wife was scared after seeing the room too, but realized that her husband did build it for the prostitute's own protection after the cop let the wife know that the other prostitutes are still alive (because they can tell the cops where his cabin is located). The wife then goes back for her husband and someone shoots a wolf before it attacks her. So someone really is in the woods (the flashlight the husband saw from the car was not a hallucination), but that person protects her rather than harms her. The husband and wife return home and she sees a boat. It's her former lover keeping an eye on her to make sure she is safe. That's why there was no one on the camera for a whole year, the vengeful DUI victim really did commit suicide and it was the lover who had followed the wife to the woods to make sure she was safe from her unstable husband. There was a lot of chemistry and love shown between the characters of Ted and his wife, which makes it believable that she wants her husband to return home and complete their family (although she had to give up the lover she had while he was in prison).