Written and directed by Chandler Levack, Mile End Kicks tells the story of Grace Pine (Barbie Ferreira), a 24-year-old music critic whose career takes an abrupt turn when she leaves her publication to spend the summer in Montreal and, hopefully, write a book about Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill”. The film is a quiet, heartfelt, and, at times, meandering exploration of Grace’s journey. It feels very much like a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of an indie music scene that is as much a character in the film.

Mile End Kicks Treats Barbie Ferreira’s Grace With Nuance

At times funny and touching, Levack crafts a story and character that is instantly relatable. With Ferreira at the forefront, the film plays like a meditative yet messy story about the growing pains of young adulthood. The actress is perfectly cast. As Grace, Ferreira shines in moments where she must display her character’s awkward wit and opinionated nature while underscoring her lack of confidence in standing up for herself. Grace is an imperfect character who very much stands in her own way. It makes you want to shake your head at her and hug her at the same time.

When it comes to women characters, there’s a tendency to romanticize or sanitize them instead of portraying them as full-fledged human beings who don’t always do or say the “right” things. Levack’s script allows Grace to breathe as a character; her frustration with not feeling heard — no matter the situation — is balanced with her struggles to be a good friend, to have a relationship that isn’t plagued with issues, and her growth as a writer. She often stands in her own way, and that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt down on their prospects or didn’t believe in themselves.

Barbie Ferreira Is Excellent As Grace

And I can’t say enough good things about Ferreira’s layered performance. She has a lot of range and is immensely expressive, making the character a standout. Devon Bostick, as a member of the band Grace is covering, is particularly great, as is Juliette Gariépy as Grace’s DJ roommate. Jay Baruchel’s role is small, but he makes the most of it. Stanley Simons, the band’s lead singer, underscores the things fame can do to a person.

While the story is generally well-paced and intriguing throughout, it does meander a bit as it settles into Grace’s new rhythm in Montreal. It becomes almost painful to watch her career and life take a downward turn for a while before things change. There’s less Alanis Morissette than the film implies, and it’s more of her influence that inspires Grace. Yet Grace’s ambitions don’t mix well with her constant self-doubt, which is well-portrayed, if a bit repeтιтive.

Ultimately, Mile End Kicks is a journey toward self-confidence and owning what you’re good at and what holds you back. Grace is a great protagonist and, though the romance element of her life could have been played up a tad more, there’s so much baked into her story that’s worth investing in. Filled with heartfelt moments and hardships amidst Grace’s growing young adulthood pains, Levack’s film plays like a new music album that is familiar yet exciting.