A great film starts with a great script. The screenplay lays the groundwork – it’s the first building block that shapes everything from the director’s vision to an actor’s performance. Screenwriting weaves together the written word with the visual world of cinema. It’s a unique craft that requires serious storytelling chops.
In the realm of movies, you simply can’t overstate the power of an awesome script. The story, the dialogue, the characters – that’s what grabs us and pulls us into new worlds. A killer script can move you, challenge you, and stick with you long after the credits roll.
With its diversity and rich cultural fabric, Canada offers the perfect backdrop for screenwriters to let their creativity loose. Canadian writers have seized that opportunity, penning scripts with a distinctive northern spirit that connects with audiences far and wide.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the finest Canadian scripts that made our list, and discuss why they’re so remarkable. But before we get to the big reveal, it’s important to note that there are tons of fantastic Canadian films beyond the ones featured here. With so much talent and brilliant storytelling coming out of Canada, narrowing it down to just 10 scripts was extremely tough.
Canada’s Top 10 Exceptional Film Scripts
When putting together this list, we looked for that special sauce that makes a script truly exceptional. A fantastic story that reels you in with characters so vivid they stick with you like friends, clever writing that keeps you riveted from fade-in to credits, and of course, that Canadian spirit shining through.
We wanted scripts that broke molds, pushed boundaries, and showed off mad storytelling skills. The kind of movies that suck you into their world and leave your mind whirling for days.
Let’s dive into each script, one by one:
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)
Directed by Zacharias Kunuk
Written by Paul Apak Angilirq
Brief Synopsis: This film breathes life into an age-old Inuit legend, transporting us to a distant era. It revolves around the courageous hero, Atanarjuat, whose decision to marry two wives ignites intense conflict with the envious son of the band’s leader. Tensions escalate to a tragic climax when the son takes the life of Atanarjuat’s brother, compelling him to embark on a journey across the icy tundra.
Why it’s on the list: Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner is a groundbreaking film that tells a traditional Inuit story in a cinematic language that is both familiar and new. Kunuk’s screenplay is beautifully crafted, with poetic dialogue and imagery that evoke the harsh yet breathtaking beauty of the Arctic landscape. The film’s characters are complex and believable, and their journey is one that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Mon Oncle Antoine (1971)
Directed by Claude Jutra
Written by Clément Perron
Brief Synopsis: Set in a small town in Quebec in the 1940s, this coming-of-age story follows Benoit, a teenager living with his uncle Antoine. Antoine runs the local general store and serves as the town undertaker. During the busy Christmas season, Benoit starts working at the store and learns some hard lessons about life. Things come to a head when Benoit joins his uncle to collect the body of a boy who died in a tragic accident. This devastating moment forces Benoit to confront mortality and process loss.
Why it’s on the list: Mon Oncle Antoine beautifully captures a specific time and place in Quebec’s history. The script features natural dialogue and richly-drawn characters you feel like you know. Benoit’s journey from childhood to adulthood is told with great compassion and wisdom. This quintessential coming-of-age tale resonates across cultures, even if you didn’t grow up in rural 1940s Quebec.
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
Directed by Atom Egoyan
Based on The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks
Brief Synopsis: A small-town bus accident prompts a lawyer to step in and advocate for the affected families. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he begins to realize that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
Why it’s on the list: The Sweet Hereafter doesn’t follow a straight A to B timeline. Egoyan structures it in a clear yet nonlinear way, focused on how emotions evolve. The performances are stellar, and the narrative evokes a spectrum of emotions. It’s a real heart-wrencher that stays with you long after the credits roll..
Jesus of Montreal (Jésus de Montréal) (1989)
Directed by Denys Arcand
Written by Denys Arcand
Brief Synopsis: A group of actors in Montreal stage a controversial passion play that sparks a debate about the nature of faith and the role of religion in society.
Why it’s on the list: Jesus of Montreal is a witty and thought-provoking film that explores complex philosophical and theological themes in a humorous and accessible way. Arcand’s screenplay is intelligent and well-researched, and his dialogue is sharp and insightful.
Léolo (1992)
Directed by Jean-Claude Lauzon
Written by Jean-Claude Lauzon
Brief Synopsis: A young boy named Léolo copes with the harsh realities of his dysfunctional family life by retreating into a world of his own imagination.
Why it’s on the list: Léolo is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores the themes of childhood, family, and identity in a unique and unforgettable way. Lauzon’s screenplay is poetic and imaginative, with dialogue that is both humorous and heartbreaking.
C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée
Written by François Boulay and Jean-Marc Vallée
Brief Synopsis: This coming-of-age drama follows Zac, a young gay man growing up in 1960s/70s Quebec. Facing homophobia, he struggles to find himself while living with his dad and four brothers. It has an awesome soundtrack featuring The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and more.
Why it’s on the list: C.R.A.Z.Y. is a moving and coming-of-age story that explores the themes of identity, family, and acceptance. The script has richly-drawn characters you connect with and a narrative that feels real. Zac’s personal journey resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. It’s an emotionally powerful film that stays with you.
Dead Ringers (1988)
Directed by David Cronenberg
Written by David Cronenberg and Norman Snider
Brief Synopsis: Elliot, a successful gynecologist, shares a practice with his identical twin, Beverly. Elliot sleeps with his patients, then passes them to the shyer Beverly when he’s done. But when Beverly falls for a woman who deceives him, it sends him into a downward spiral.
Why it’s on the list: Dead Ringers delves into the dark side of identity, obsession, and duality. It nabbed tons of awards, including Best Motion Picture at the Genies. Critics consistently rank it among Canada’s best films ever for its bold, boundary-pushing storytelling. It’s disturbing yet thought-provoking, sticking with you long after the credits roll.
Incendies (2010)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Screenplay by Denis Villeneuve and Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne
Brief Synopsis: When their mom Nawal dies, she leaves two instructions for her kids – find their long-lost brother, and destroy grandma’s will. This sends them on a quest to uncover their mother’s dark past filled with war, trauma, and secrets.
Why it’s on the list: Incendies tackles tough themes like war, trauma, and forgiveness. The script features complex characters and a compelling story that reels you in. As the mysteries unravel, the revelations are powerful and moving.
The Red Violin (1998)
Directed by François Girard
Written by Don McKellar and François Girard
Brief Synopsis: A rare violin is passed down through the centuries, witnessing the lives of its owners and the historical events that unfold around them.
Why it’s on the list: The Red Violin is a beautifully crafted film that tells a sweeping story of love, loss, and redemption. The screenplay is exquisitely written, with complex characters and a lyrical narrative.
Polytechnique (2009)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Written by Jacques Davidts and Denis Villeneuve
Brief Synopsis: A re-enactment of the 1989 Montreal Massacre, in which a gunman killed 14 women at the École Polytechnique de Montréal.
Why it’s on the list: Polytechnique is a powerful and harrowing film that explores the themes of violence, misogyny, and the importance of remembrance. Villeneuve’s screenplay is unflinching and honest, and his direction is restrained and respectful. The film’s performances are outstanding, and its impact is undeniable.
Wrapping Up
And that’s a wrap! As we close out this tour through some of Canada’s best-written movie scripts, one thing is clear – screenwriting is the unsung hero of the film world. These scripts brought incredible stories to life and introduced us to characters we won’t forget. They made us laugh, cry, and think. And they showed off the major talent coming out of Canada.
So next time you watch a fantastic film, spare a thought for the creative minds behind the scripts.