World Got You Down? Head North of North.

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To put it simply, things aren’t going too well at the moment, and it seems like a rather gloomy period. Given that context, the debut of Black Mirror’s seventh season on Netflix feels somewhat repetitive. This series portrays a grim picture of how corporations, government control, harmful technology, and late-stage capitalism can ultimately dehumanize us or turn us into self-centered beings – it’s a message we seem to understand quite well, but there isn’t much solace in it. Instead, I recommend you take a break from the darkness and enjoy North of North for a change.

Today, Netflix is debuting its first original Canadian series, which contrasts with the dark and pessimistic tone of “Black Mirror.” Instead, it offers a light-hearted, hopeful, and warm atmosphere. Despite being set in the Arctic Circle, its emotional temperature is quite different! The story unfolds in the fictional community of Ice Cove, Nunavut, where 26-year-old Siaja (played by Anna Lambe), an Inuk woman, finds herself dissatisfied with her role as a housewife. When she decides to leave her husband, the town’s golden boy, in the series premiere, she becomes an outcast – a challenging situation given her new job at the community center. As Siaja navigates her personal and professional aspirations, “North of North” delves into the lives of other characters (her mother, her daughter, a sea goddess who occasionally appears to chide Siaja) and how they are impacted by her choices.

North of North offers an enticing blend of indigenous cultural depth, engaging growing-up tale, and a lovable cast, making it irresistible for binge-watching. Spending eight episodes on this series equates to approximately four hours of consistent relaxation, and if you’re seeking escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or a change from shows like Black Mirror, here are some reasons why North of North should be your next choice.

The rom-com familiarity

In the series “Bad Sisters,” John Paul’s character has found his equal when it comes to poor husbands, as demonstrated by Siaja’s spouse, Ting (portrayed by Kelly William). Adored in Ice Cove for his athletic abilities, hunting skills, and radiant smile, Ting keeps a hidden side – he often demeans Siaja. A pivotal scene from the premiere titled “Top of the World” vividly portrays Ting’s self-centeredness, as he drives off to work in their SUV, leaving Siaja with an old snowmobile for transporting their daughter Bun (Keira Cooper) and a towering pile of supplies for the Spring Festival. Throughout the episode, Ting is seen belittling Siaja, even mocking her for losing balance on their boat due to his reckless speed towards a seal. To put it mildly, he is not a pleasant individual.

In the setup of “North of North,” Siaja embarks on a heartfelt journey, exploring her desires and self-worth within a new relationship, discovering that she’s more than just someone’s mistreated spouse. The series follows a recognizable pattern as Siaja encounters potential suitors in town, but the dialogue is sharp and Lambe’s portrayal is sincere, ensuring that each romance feels fresh. A suspenseful moment involving a peculiar colonizer recalls Garrett Hedlund’s episode on “Reservation Dogs,” while the dynamic between Siaja and Kuuk (played by Braeden Clarke) resembles Jim and Pam from “The Office” or Ross and Rachel from “Friends.” Ting’s simmering anger adds a comical edge to events such as a complex baseball fundraiser, and you may soon find yourself smitten with Kuuk.

The authenticity

Instead of saying “Here’s another show similar to the one you missed, featuring a heavily Indigenous cast and crew,” let me introduce you to a new series, “North of North, which shares authenticity with shows like Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls. The show has an honest, lived-in feel, from its depiction of the complex intergenerational dynamics within the Inuk community to its witty comments about the weather. Instead of a baseball bat, they play with a walrus penis bone – it’s a tradition! A plotline pits Ice Cove against a rival town in a competition for a polar research station, adding tension through intricate details about the town’s financial struggles. A powerful conversation between Siaja’s recovering mother, Neevee (Maika Harper), and the most religious woman in town, Elisapee (Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds), about the effects of residential schools is raw and moving. Black Mirror‘s speculative sci-fi could only aspire to be as emotionally impactful as this series.

The performances

Due to the episodic format of “Black Mirror”, it has become a popular platform for established actors to deliver captivating one-time appearances. “North of North” offers an element of surprise, as aside from Mary Lynn Rajskub, known for her roles in “24” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, most of the cast are relatively unknown, particularly to audiences outside of Canada where the series is based. The acting is impressive across the board, with Lambe leading the series convincingly, and her strained relationship with Harper providing a rich background for their characters. Jay Ryan seamlessly transitions from his villainous role in “Top of the Lake” into the character of Alistair, the series’ self-deprecating polar researcher, and delivers the humor effectively. Bailey Poching and Zorga Qaunaq are standouts as Siaja’s friends, encouraging her to move on from Ting and supporting her vision for a more prosperous Ice Cove. Each subgroup within Ice Cove feels unique, even down to the gossips who continue to bring casseroles to Ting after she moves out. “North of North” is primarily Siaja’s story, but it also explores the lives of those around her in the town and the people who make up her world. Although Netflix has yet to renew “North of North”, a return to this community would be enjoyable, especially considering the hinted-at Indigenous reinterpretation of “Pride and Prejudice” that promises to be fascinating in a potential second season.

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2025-04-10 15:54