The land and its people rise up to embrace a grieving girl

The Unknown Country

At the Myrna Loy

Brent Northup

Blackfeet actress Lily Gladstone is a close friend I have yet to meet. Tomorrow, perhaps.

Like Lily, “Unknown Country” is quiet and warm, an anthem of hope.

Loneliness is the void we feel when love runs low. In those overcast times even the smallest act of kindness can nourish us.

“Not all of us can do great things,” said Mother Teresa. “But we can do small things with great love.”

I’ve seen such acts of grace. A student once visited a teacher’s office seeking comfort, and stood admiring a painting on the wall. Without a pause, Sister Annette lifted the art off the wall and placed it gently in the student’s hands.

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Just passing by Sister could be calming. She would look directly in our eyes and silently affirm us.

I thought of Sister, now 16 years gone, as I watched Morissa Maltz’s meditative film, “Unknown Country,” a poetic road trip taken by a grieving young woman.

Tana’s alone, driving an out-of-warranty car down a wintry highway, destination uncertain.

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