Deragh Campbell

A finely drawn character study with charming humour and some not-so-subtle barbs about the Toronto literary and artistic scene, Matt and Mara dissects fragile egos, adult ennui, and the parameters of success with the sensibility built around the shifting maturity of the protagonists. Director Kazik Radwanski presents a dramatic comedy hiding its profundity in constructed slightness. Two imperfect and indulgent people who open and close doors in their relationship as they hold each other to account simply by existing. Matt and Mara emerges as tender depiction of a bittersweet, deep and complicated connection.

The relaxed yet vibrant banter between Matt and Mara at the heart of the movie might be best described as something almost post-mumblecore in nature, but such a description risks sounding inappropriately glib. Rather, 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.