Snow Cake

Snow cake is a slow burning quaint little film, with impressive performances from both Weaver and Rickman.

Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) is a lonely man driving to Winnipeg for matters unknown to us. Along the way, he meets a young woman named Vivienne, who is desperate for a lift to her mother’s home.

The tight-lipped and posh Alex agrees to take Vivienne. On route the quirky Vivienne attempts to connect with Alex, failing at first she then begins to make progress. It is around this time a terrible accident occurs and a genuinely startling scene ensues. Vivienne is killed, but Alex is left without a scratch.

Full of guilt, Alex drives on to the small town of Wawa to meet Vivienne’s mother. Upon arrival he discovers her mother Linda (Sigourney Weaver) is autistic.

For reasons unknown to even us, Alex ends up staying with Linda. Alex then meets Linda’s neighbour Maggie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and they indulge in a short romantic affair.

Snow cake is a slow burning quaint little film. It is neatly packaged and does not seem to drag on. It engages its viewer, and successfully explores how families and communities deal with disability, while grief and death.

The Weaver most of us are used to is an alien slaying super-femme, so at first it is strange to see her in this role. However as the film continues she comfortably fits into the role. Weaver is supported by an equally impressive performance from Alan Rickman who portrays the loneliest man in Canada incredibly well.

The subject of Autism is never easy for any actor to portray and Weaver takes on this challenge and delivers a comfortable performance. The story is engaging and emotional, but remains genuinely funny and realistic.