Darkest Miriam

Although fully functional in her job as a Toronto librarian, Miriam is cut off from engaging with the world due to grief over the loss of her father. Through repeated references to the opera Rigoletto, the film hints that Miriam's father may have been over-protective of his daughter, even as strange and somewhat sinister notes left in the library suggest Miriam may have a stalker.

The narrative builds slowly, showing the library's quirky daily routines which contrast neatly with strong but nuanced emotions running under the surface. Miriam takes steps to broaden her experience of life when she starts conversing with Janko, a Slovenian who drives a taxi to subsidize his artistic aspirations. Britt Lower and Tom Mercier do nice work in the lead roles, endowing Miriam and Janko with humanity and making their relationship credible. Miriam's journey is observed through beautifully composed images and largely static camerawork as directing, screenwriting, acting and cinematography combine to give the story the sensibility of a visual poem.