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Dildos in lunchboxes, semen on clothing and walls daubed in human excrement. No, not Total Film's Christmas party, but a sampling of what Charlize Theron's plucky working-class heroine must cope with in Niki Caro's gritty drama. Inspired by a real-life case that helped rewrite America's prehistoric labour laws, North Country tells its stirring story of obduracy and resilience with integrity, empathy and quiet passion. All of which makes its climactic nosedive into feel-good Tinseltown formula tougher to bear.
From Norma Rae to Karen Silkwood to busty Erin Brockovich, we've always enjoyed watching women stand up for themselves in the workplace. By opening her film with Theron in the witness box before flashing back to reveal what brought her there, Caro informs us from the off that Josey Aimes is one of these lasses. No wilting wallflower, this embattled single mom takes it for as long as she can, fending off verbal, psychological and even physical abuse with a weary shrug and a sprinkling of gallows humour. And screenwriter Michael Seitzman delicately details the combination of factors (two kids, no home, a disapproving father) that would make a daily trial by fire preferable to the loss of a pay-cheque.
Niki Caro's Hollywood debut is as well-acted as Whale Rider. But it lacks the spine to match its leading lady's richly layered contribution.
