TOM AT THE FARM

"Knife-edge storytelling … Dolan's most accomplished and enjoyable work to date." – Variety

In a significant departure from his previous offerings, including Laurence Anyways (MIFF 2012) and I Killed My Mother (MIFF 2010), Canadian cinema prodigy Xavier Dolan presents a dark, disturbing thriller based on Michel Marc Bouchard's stage play.

Tom (played by Dolan) travels to rural Quebecois Canada for the funeral of his lover, Guillaume. While Guillaume's mother is unaware of her deceased son's sexuality, his homophobic older brother is determined to maintain the status quo, and embarks on a mental and physical humiliation of Tom. The arrival of Tom's co-worker from the city, Sarah – posing as Guillaume's girlfriend – further escalates matters.

Dolan's impressive film is enhanced by Gabriel Yared's stirring orchestral soundtrack and the evocative cinematography of André Turpin (Incendies), ensuring the FIPRESCI award-winning (Venice) Tom at the Farm is unashamedly ‘Hitchcock in the country'.

"Under the guise … of a psychological thriller lies another more intimate, poignant piece on love and mourning." – Film Comment