Oct. 08, 2021|Canada | New Zealand|97 Min.|n/A
Genre: Science;Fiction
Description: The 2021 Canadian sci-fi thriller *Night Raiders* struggles to distinguish itself among harsh dystopian narratives, though it benefits from Cree-Métis filmmaker Danis Goulet’s focus on Indigenous characters. Set in 2043 in a unified North America, the story depicts a militarized society dominated by warmongering “Jingos.” Indigenous communities face oppression under the watch of massive, low-flying drones. The enigmatic Meekaw Virus and an unspecified war have deepened racial and class divides. The Academy, a military school, enforces a rigid ideology with its mantra: “One country, one language, one flag.”
The film’s authoritarian themes are underscored by its lack of depth in exploring its dark world. Predictable dialogue and dull visuals leave little room for nuance, making it clear who to support and who to oppose. The story’s central conflict revolves around Niska (Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers), a determined single mother, as she considers whether to allow her teenage daughter Waseese (Brooklyn Letexier-Hart) to be taken in by the Academy. After surrendering Waseese, Niska attempts to reconcile with the Jingos’ narrative by reconnecting with estranged family friend Roberta (Amanda Plummer) and her son Pierre (Eric Osborne), now a Jingo spokesperson.
However, the narrative offers little dramatic tension, as the choices are stark: side with Niska and the Indigenous resistance or oppose the blatantly villainous Academy, defined by violence and propaganda. While *Night Raiders* occasionally mirrors America’s darker societal mood, it fails to resonate as either an uplifting story or a compelling dystopian warning.
Cast director: Danis Goulet
Cast actor: Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Brooklyn Letexier-Hart, Alex Tarrant, Amanda Plummer, Violet Nelson, Gail Maurice
Original name: Night Raiders