Hello Concordians,
I’m Joelle, your Opinions Editor for Volume 40 of The Concordian. I’m in my last year at Concordia and readier than ever to tackle these last semesters.
A little about me: I’m a journalism major, with two minors (law and society and women’s studies) because I can’t stick to just one subject. My interests include travel, fashion, books, and the only sport I watch is Formula One. You can find me around campus hanging out at Loyola in the journalism newsroom or The Concordian’s office, and in the library at Sir George Williams.
Hot Take
Welcome to Hot Take: a place for thoughts I had while watching the latest, hottest movie or series.
This week’s hot take: 23 Décembre (2022)
For this week’s Hot Take, I am covering a movie that is not released yet! I was lucky enough to attend the Montreal premiere of the French Quebec movie 23 Décembre, a feel-good Christmas movie à la Love Actually that follows the lives of different couples and singles over the holidays. I was happy to see a Quebec Christmas movie as I feel this was something missing from the répertoire. Guylaine Tremblay’s character is really funny and the concept was well-executed. The story is loosely based on writer India Desjardins’ own christmas 10 years ago and the project was on her mind ever since. For a movie that was 10 years in the making, I do have a couple of critiques. First, we get a moment where a classic boomer articulates his frustrations of the change of “Merry Christmas” to “Happy holidays” to the young paramedic assisting him. When the paramedic, who is the daughter of immigrants and a visible minority, says to the old man that she too celebrates Christmas in her family, she emphasizes how they are not that different after all. I see what they tried to do here. But, it wasn’t executed well at all. I don’t know if it’s the way the actress delivered her line, but it felt pushed and not genuine at all. Especially since we don’t get to see or hear much about the paramedic’s story. Second, I don’t like that the only woman of colour out of the main cast of characters was, without spoiling too much, a cheater. Again, it highlights the lack of diversity in Quebec cinema and the type-casting actors of colour are subjected to. Apart from that, if you are looking for a feel-good movie for the holidays and want to support local arts, this one's for you.
Letter to the Editor
Have something to say to our editors? Did you read a piece that resonated with you and want to share your thoughts? Write a letter to the editor and send it to us!
Pitches, Bitches
An ode to Sagittarius babies and people born around the holidays.
Want to contribute to the Opinions section? Send me your pitch at opinions@theconcordian.com, or even better, attend our pitch meetings on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Concordian’s office located at the Loyola campus central building in room CC-431.
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