Added to Prime Video on Monday, Oct 2, 2023 This touching drama delves into the world of Dawn, a young trans woman returning to her rural Nova Scotia home after the death of her mother. The story navigates the rocky terrain of familial bonds, acceptance, and identity as Dawn attempts to reconnect with her estranged father and also help with the family farm. As Dawn and her father work on restoring an old tractor, they indirectly work on mending their strained relationship, with the tractor acting as a symbolic bridge between their past and present.
Length: 1 Hr 32 Min
Genre: Drama
Trailer
Cast
- Maya Henry as Dawn
- Robb Wells as Her Father
- Anique J. Jordan as Isabelle
- Shelley Thompson as The Mother (Flashbacks)
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements, language, and some suggestive content)
While the film is a family drama, it does tackle mature themes related to identity, acceptance, and family conflicts. It’s suitable for teens and above, but parents might want to be present for younger viewers to address questions and themes.
Trivia
- Shelley Thompson, who plays the mother, also directed the film, marking her directorial debut.
- The story is inspired by real-life stories of rural communities in Nova Scotia and their experiences with LGBTQ+ acceptance.
- While the film is primarily in English, there are smatterings of French, showcasing the bilingual nature of many Canadian communities.
Our Review
“Dawn, Her Dad & The Tractor” is an understated gem that captures the essence of family dynamics and the journey of acceptance. Maya Henry delivers a compelling performance as Dawn, effectively portraying the layers of her character’s emotions. Robb Wells, as the father, brings depth to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional. The story beautifully encapsulates the nuances of love, forgiveness, and understanding. Some scenes might feel a tad predictable, but the sincerity of the narrative more than makes up for it. It’s a heartwarming watch that resonates long after the credits roll.
