That Beautiful Somewhere (2006)

Studio: Monarch Video Assoc. Release Date: 12/09/2008 Run time: 93 minutes Rating: R Product Description

That Beautiful Somewhere Movie Review by The Massie Twins

A haunting tale of tormented characters plagued by their pasts and the secrets consuming them, That Beautiful Somewhere follows two troubled souls struggling to find meaning with their lives and a way to heal their physical and mental pain. While the film expertly dissects the two leads and their minds and motives, it unfortunately takes its time to delve into the complex character development and often lingers on every moment, no matter its degree of poignancy, creating a cumbersome pacing that may be too slow for today's less-than-patient moviegoer.

Detective Conk Adams (Roy Dupuis) is assigned to help young archaeologist Catherine Nyland (Jane McGregor) discover the identity and cause of death of a mummified body found in a local bog in the snowy depths of Canada. At first he disregards the scientist's notions of the bog's curative powers and the supposed murder, but soon grows to value and appreciate the time he spends with her. After running several tests on the corpse, Catherine slowly begins to uncover its identity and searches for the truth behind the myths of the Native American healing ritual that may have lead to its death. Wishing to use the healing powers of the bog herself, she and Conk track down a reclusive Indian who holds the final clues to the body's identity as well as the shocking path that both tortured souls will eventually travel.

Beautifully shot exteriors and snowy forested scenery almost make up for the dragging pace the film chooses to adopt. While the presentation is top notch, the film crawls at times and makes several attempts to go somewhere beautiful, and then doesn't. In the quest to understand life, death, love, and sacrifice, the two characters build to the drastic conclusion with great detail and concern, but the philosophies of the Native American healing ritual hold little weight with the reasoning behind the characters' decisions.

Roy Dupuis portrays the haunted detective with mature finesse and a gruff disposition, creating a performance as convincing as it is compelling. Jane McGregor plays off the troubled soul with an equally tormented character but doesn't quite capture the intensity of the disturbed detective. While revealing the beliefs surrounding an ancient ritual, the ideals and sacrifices required betray a certain believability which is difficult to accept, though the characters are at an edge of desperation that can only be quelled by the dire tasks placed before them.

A flawed yet noble exploration of the human condition, That Beautiful Somewhere reveals bits of truly stunning emotion, yet its deliberate pacing may offset those unable to wait for its deeply moving ending that offers a compelling look into the lengths some will go for forgiveness and redemption.

- The Massie Twins
July 20, 2008

An ancient mystery revealed in death

A beautiful Archaeologist is an expert on peat bog preserved bodies.
An ancient ritual and a a 200 years old body of an legendary outlaw Indian
hero lead to the death of a new hero, and the healing the story is about.
It is a hard story and one that takes belief in a tradition
that is western or Christian. June 21, 2008

different realm

Watching this movie is like reading a spiritual book, momentarily encountering a different realm, that beautiful somewhere.
This movie, in its own way, opens a door to what a challenge's message might be. It demonstrates the courage it invites you to go to that somewhere and the bravery that is inevitable and yet optional.
The acting is good and when in the special features you see Roy Dupuis and listen to him,you know right away that he was so right for this role.
The only flaw was the director's lack of education on migraine or most illnesses for that matter. Fast running makes migraine pain worse , so does listening to loud music with headphones while running.
This movie might seem sad and slow but in the end it is uplifting, it has a beautiful message and if you feel it, it touches you and it takes you to that beautiful somewhere. December 1, 2007

Different and Beautiful

I came across this film by accident and had no reviews or synopsis to tell me what this film whas about. All i knew was that roy Dupuis was the lead actor and since I had enjoyed his work on La Femme Nikita I decided to take a chance.
Unlike Dupuis stoic charactor " Michael " on LFN, in this film his role of Dect. Conk Adams willingly expresses his emotions.
Hereis a story of two fragile people drawn together on a murder case that soon becomes something else entirely and they become close. Not really lovers but more than friends and share an emotional bond.
The ending came as a total surprise, so simple it should have been expected but you are so involved in what is happening you don't even think of what is to come until it happens.
There is no real " Happy Ever After " here only a bittersweet release. Dupuis gives an excellent performance and this film is truely deserving of a look. October 29, 2007

Scenery Beautiful, Roy Shines, The Rest a Yawn!

This film by Robert Budreau had tremendous opportunity and with Roy Dupuis and Gordon Tootoosis, it should have been a Genie contender hands down. Unfortunately, the pace of the movie was slow and the plot was disjointed. I didn't hate it, but I was disappointed. I think Roy can always sell a character but the chemistry didn't seem to be there with Jane. I thought about it for a while afterward and instead of a romantic chemistry, it seemed to be more of a "parental" type interest and concern. Which is okay considering the story being told about the bog. I felt that Jane's character was supposed to be likeable and you are supposed to identify with her, but I just didn't feel it. Again, it may just be because the story seemed to be missing vital parts. I think if you are a Roy Dupuis fan you should check it out, but be prepared that it is not "The Rocket" or "Memoire Affective." It is a nice character study with Roy playing the lead and it might have been even better if it had just been him... Just my opinion and we all have one! :) October 1, 2007

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