Film Review - Little Lorraine (2025)

      **Little Lorraine, 2025**

      **Directed by Andy Hines**

      **Starring Stephen Amell, Stephen McHattie, Joshua Close, Steve Lund, Auden Thorton, Sean Astin, J. Balvin, Matt Walsh, Rhys Darby, Kyle Ellsworth, Mike Dopud, Hugh Thompson, Kaelen Ohm, and Sugar Lyn Beard.**

      **SYNOPSIS**

      Little Lorraine, a coastal town in the North Atlantic with a population of 60, finds itself tangled in an international cocaine smuggling scheme operating under the radar of multiple governments, utilizing funeral homes to transport the drugs concealed in coffins.

      Andy Hines' debut feature film, Little Lorraine, centers on the real-life crime story of a small town in Nova Scotia that becomes involved in the global drug trade. The film stars Arrow’s Stephen Amell and seasoned Canadian actor Stephen McHattie. The narrative is well-crafted, with a strong cast led by Amell and captivating visuals of the Nova Scotian coast, as the drug scheme intensifies in a tight-knit community where everyone is aware of each other’s business, and a determined investigator is hot on their trail.

      The town of Little Lorraine faces a crisis when their mine explodes, shutting down and cutting off the main source of income for the local men and their families. To survive financially, Amell’s character Jimmy partners with his dubious Uncle Huey on a lobster fishing venture. However, it quickly becomes evident that Uncle Huey has ulterior motives, as he facilitates the transport of cocaine from another boat, ensnaring Jimmy in a high-stakes case that catches the eye of an Interpol agent. While Jimmy manages to bring in essential funds for his family, he grows increasingly anxious about the tightening grip of the law around him and his circle of trust.

      Amell delivers a strong performance as Jimmy, showcasing his commitment to his family and friends as he navigates difficult circumstances. The relationships he forms with the other cast members feel genuine and relatable in their small-town setting, where privacy is hard to maintain. His chemistry with Auden Thornton, playing his wife Emma, is compelling, especially as Thornton skillfully portrays Emma’s realistic views on how they can establish a new life. However, the standout moments are between Amell and McHattie, the latter offering an unforgettable performance as the morally ambiguous Huey, often viewed as a crafty and unreliable figure by the townsfolk. Together, they navigate escalating challenges, testing their familial bond.

      The supporting cast contributes authentic and emotional performances, particularly Joshua Close as Tommy, Jimmy’s longtime friend, and Sean Astin as Father Williams, the local priest. Despite limited screen time, Astin effectively conveys Father Williams’ compassion and the town’s close-knit nature. J. Balvin as Agent Lozano displays intelligence and determination, injecting humor through comparisons of Nova Scotia’s coffee to that of his Colombian homeland. Matt Walsh adds levity as an overwhelmed local cop teaming up with Lozano, while Rhys Darby takes a different approach, bringing a unique personality to his role as one of the primary drug dealers Huey and Jimmy encounter.

      Hines’ screenplay is captivating, offering enough room for creative adaptation despite its roots in real events. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that the film remains engaging throughout, while the stunning cinematography enhances a gripping and suspenseful narrative. For Hines’ directorial debut, Little Lorraine is a solidly crafted crime drama that prioritizes character development and the repercussions of their actions, bolstered by a formidable cast.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★**

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more updates on movies and pop culture.