“Good Neighbours” is a Canadian film that falls under the Thriller genre. It was released in the year 2010 and was directed by Jacob Tierney. This film is an adaptation of a book called Chère Voisine which was written by Chrystine Brouillet. Quebec’s referendum of 1995 serves as the backdrop during the movie, with the three residents of an apartment, along with the area under the threat of a serial killer, living in the Notre Dame de Grace housing area in Montreal.
Synopsis
Set in a neighborhood, this story is about three people Spencer, a cynical man living in a wheelchair, Louise a waitress who adores her cats, and Victor mr. new tenant looking for ways to mingle. Their lives start off simple until a serial killer’s activities force the trio to reshape their alliances while hiding their own individuals agendas and dark pasts.
Cast
- Victor Jay Baruchel
- Louise Emily Hampshire
- Spencer Scott Speedman
- Xavier Dolan
Critical Reception
Coming towards the critical reception, Good Neighbor was and is not appreciated widely. In contrast, Duralde maintains that the suspense never diminishes. In the words of Mr Duralde “it over stays its welcome” although the movie is merely 96 mins long. For the film on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 56 percent.
Personal Insights
The film does a good job in bringing out the dread that pervades the sense of community. The characters and their conflict are rife with hostility, and the film contains elements of paranoia and dissociation. The acting including the likes of Hampshire and Speedman, enhances the already enticing plot.
Cultural Significance
The events of the film reinforce the sociocultural conflict that existed in Quebec during the filmed events. It provides an insight of the Montreal’s cultural milieu with the emphasis on placing the story within its real time and space.
Availability
Starting December 2024, “Good Neighbours” is free to watch on Tubi.