Kingsway

A keen analyst of modern neuroses, west coast director Bruce Sweeney hits new heights in his latest comedy/drama/romance, Kingsway. Sweeney’s ostensible hero is Matt (Jeff Gladstone), an academic prone to crippling bouts of self-doubt and ennui. Matt has just spotted wife Lori’s car parked at an infamous Vancouver motel on the Kingsway, a strip well known for prostitution and extra-marital assignations. Matt’s bossy sister, Jess (Camille Sullivan), who has always hated Lori’s treatment of Matt, demands he finally leave her. Mother Mary (the legendary Gabrielle Rose) and omnipresent best friend Sean (Sweeney mainstay Paul Skrudland) would rather maintain the peace of the status quo, but anxiety is contagious. An exasperated Lori leaves Matt, only to realize she’s pregnant… though she’s not exactly sure who the father is. As Matt descends into depression, those around him are forced to confront the lack of romance in their lives. (Toronto International Film Festival)