Rediscovering oneself is sometimes the only way a person can move forward. That is exactly what Tara Kendell (Emmanuel Vaugier) goes through after a messy divorce and a family breakdown.
This film combines the charm of a small-town life with the deep emotional struggles of individual characters. It is set in the beautiful landscape of Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, but it is fictionally set in Montana.
A typical Hallmark movie, Big Sky River takes viewers on an emotional journey of love, redemption and finding a home where one least expects it. Directed by Peter Benson, the movie is also based on Linda Lael Miller’s novel of the same name.
Tara seeks solace in Parable, Montana, where she rents a ranch in hopes of rediscovering herself. One may wonder how it may seem so easy to move on, but having a handsome neighbour such as Boone Taylor (Kavan Smith), who is extremely charming with his two sons. Not only is he a rugged, single father but he is the sheriff of the area. He, too, has his share of wounds from the past. Forming an unlikely connection right from the beginning, it is hard to escape a romantic kindling between the two.
The film is extremely heartfelt, and there is a slow burn of romance between Tara and Boone. The greatest strength of the film is the authenticity of the characters and the breathtaking cinematography. Both characters deal with trust issues, loss and the pursuit of happiness.
While the film lacks emotional depth, it stays true to its Hallmark formula of a movie. An absolute delight to watch, the film scores above average not only for the storyline that it follows but also for depicting the sincerity of life. It depicts fractured relationships; it is hard not to notice the relationship between Tara and her stepdaughter (from a previous marriage) – Erin, a teenage girl.
However, one question that lingers over one’s mind, and that is whether it is that easy to move on after a divorce.
