Nice piece of work, great soundtrack, gripping storyline. At various points, the reality of the authentic and extraordinary story mixes with the dream or thought world.Intertwined actions develop a dynamic that lets almost all characters appear in the light of guilt and at the same time innocence. Especially between the mother and Oskar exists an untypical, "undercooled" connection, because she consoles with words - no embrace.From many directions, the adolescent boy is required to withstand the tensions, which at a climax when the wooden peg is discovered and then fades out in a melancholy, lonely harmony. Not easy, growing up staged with the farewell of the faithful companion - the hamster.Was rarely so excited. I especially like that the film does not serve a "mainstream". It is neither a superlative movie that saves the whole world, nor does the audience be admonished to morality, but lets digest the upset emotions at the calming ending.

A pretty unique film, which is rarely seen in films these days.I can't say too much about the film because it's sort of a mystery, wrapped around a coming of age drama story with some horror elements here and there to spice things up and on top of all that add on a talking hamster.If I was to compare it with some other movies I would say something like a mix of Mysterious Skin meets The Perks Of Being A Wallflower meets Donnie Darko, now while it isn't as great as those said films it isn't too far off either, it is a competent piece of filmmaking by it's own merit.And well acted all across the board.Might bump the rating up on the rewatch but we will see, 7 is still a solid rating coming from me.

This is a gay based drama about a boy, Oscar (played as a grown up by Connor Jessup of 'Falling Skies' fame). He has had a childhood that few would be envious of. We see some of that childhood and then move on to when he is all grown up and longing to leave his hometown and go to art school – preferably in New York.He is a creative and gifted soul who has a best friend in Gemma (Sofia Banzhaf who I love as she was in a 'Belle and Sebastian' video; the stupendous Scottish band)– he also talks to his hamster who is more than happy to reciprocate. He has got to the age where he no longer knows where the boundaries are or moreover he no longer agrees with them in any case. He is also trying to cope with his burgeoning sexuality and the attitudes of orthodox heterosexuality and casual and actual homophobia that have plagued him since boyhood.Now this is a film where the themes are more universal and the parents and home issues are also ones that many will empathise with. Jessup plays the role really well and is completely convincing, but he is ably supported, especially from Aaron Abrams ('Hannibal') playing his father; that said all players here are up to muster. It is also a charming film and steers clear of the sensational side of drama to keep both feet as firmly as possible in the realms of reality (talking hamster aside that is); which I very much appreciated. This is a thoughtful, well made, acted, directed and scripted film with enough going on to keep you hooked and some good, every day humour to show its human side – so very much recommended.

Not a review, just wanted to point out that the person who gave a one- star review based on the lack of french-Canadian accents in this film..... this is not a french-Canadian film. This is a film made by a Newfoundlander, set in Newfoundland, written in Toronto, and only has one character in the entire movie who is supposed to be french- Canadian. Giving one star based on your interpretation of an accent, when that's not even the accent most actors are portraying is really, really lame. Personally, I truly enjoyed this film and it's twisted, dream-like format. The plot was semi autobiographical, and you can see the care and passion that everyone involved in the project put into it. Plus, who doesn't like a talking hamster?