Cast
View AllAntoine Olivier Pilon
as Sam
Mylène Mackay
as Judith
Stéphane Rousseau
as Marc
Milya Corbeil-Gauvreau
as Océanne
Pierre-Yves Cardinal
as Vincent
Marie-France Marcotte
as Stéphanie
Catherine Sénart
as Dre Sophie Ivana
Simon Daniel Boisvert
as Alex
Julie Beauchemin
as Sabrina
Lévi Doré
as Tommy
Émile Mailhiot
as Louis
Nicole Gibeault
as Juge
Paul Arcand
as Animateur radio
Roxane Tremblay-Marcotte
as Maïna
Pascal Darilus
as Thérapeute
Crew
Director
- Yan England
Producer
- Diane England
- Denise Robert
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Sam examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Yan England brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sam took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1509 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 288 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sam shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cyclomania, which focuses more on action than character development, Sam subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Aggressives and Million Dollar Baby explore similar territory, Sam stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 20, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 35m