Sleeping Giant

Starring Jackson Martin, Nick Serino, Reece Moffett, Katelyn McKerracher, Rita Serino and David Disher. Directed by Andrew Cividino. Opens Friday at the Carlton. STC

Set in a momentous summer around the shores of Lake Superior, Sleeping Giant is a coming-of-age marvel that gets inside a boy’s head as skilfully as Inside Out gets inside a girl’s.

This resounding feature debut by Toronto director Andrew Cividino, a prize winner at TIFF 2015, updates and expands upon his 2014 short film by the same name, but it’s not just a longer version of the original. It goes much deeper, with rich character shadings.

The imposing cliffs of its wild northern setting demand a grand leap for all, physically as well as metaphorically, especially for the film’s three teen protagonists: shy Adam, brash Nate and even-keeled Riley, played by arresting newcomers Jackson Martin, Nick Serino and Reece Moffett.

They’re on the cusp of adulthood, a time when jealousies and sexual anxieties loom as large as a dangerous local cliff that challenges the brave and crazy to jump.

Girls are a particular distraction, especially a friend named Taylor (Katelyn McKerracher), who may end up dividing loyalties despite her best intentions. Which is scarier: the 30-metre cliff jump or talking to a girl?

Adults hardly matter in this context, but a groovy granny played with love and good humour by Rita Serino reminds us that mischief doesn’t have an age limit.

James Klopko’s cinematography and the score by Chris Thornborrow and Bruce Peninsula combine masterfully to capture the moment, both the big outdoors and the even greater youthful awakening.

Cividino also co-wrote the story with Blain Watters and Aaron Yeger. All involved with Sleeping Giant have crafted not just the best Canadian movie of 2015, but one of the year’s best films, period. (This release is a one-week, awards-qualifying run; the official release is scheduled for spring of next year.)