Nicola Rose’s sophomore feature Magnetosphere reminded me of Nickelodeon programming I grew up with – family friendly fodder that used sitcom conventions as an entry way for outcasts to identify with off-beat humour and a unique perspective on life.  While the nostalgia is hard to shake, with this current collection of coming-of-age films aimed at pre-teens, Magnetosphere is in a league of its own.

Maggie (played by newcomer Shayelin Martin of Wild Goat Surf) sees the world through synesthesia.  She sees sounds, hears colours, and everything has a special aura.  While this adds extra vibrancy to Maggie’s life, nobody else can understand or relate to her.  This makes her family’s move to Sault Ste. Marie extra tough despite the support of her empathetic mother Helen (Tania Webb) and eccentric dad Russell (Patrick McKenna, formally known as Harold from CBC’s The Red Green Show).

Apart from the move, Russell is also staging a performance of Gilbert & Sulivan’s The Pirates of Penzance and he’s ecstatic to start rehearsals in his new city. He’s challenged by the lack of interested talent (and further discouraged by the rising rate of dropouts), but he’s smitten by Travis (YouTube comedian Steven He), a musically-savvy astronomy student who is keeping the production afloat.  Not only can Travis carry a tune, but he accidentally captures the affection of Maggie.  The crush is just another complication in Maggie’s journey to find her footing.

Magnetosphere may be another movie about fitting in, but the story is told with lots of pep.  Some of that energy can be seen through Maggie’s visions, which are beautifully animated over the live-action scenes, but this infectious spirit is mostly conveyed through the performances.  Even though she’s assisted by her character’s condition, Martin proves herself as an exceptional performer.  She anchors the film’s reality well, allowing her supporting cast to explore their characters as well.  For example, because of Martin, the audience can jive with the presence of a kooky local handyman who can change his expertise at the drop of a hat. Colin Mochrie (of Whose Line Is It Anyway? fame) has a lot of fun with this part.

As for other standouts: Mochrie’s off-camera spouse Deb McGrath is really sweet and funny as Maggie’s teacher Ms. Deering, McKenna is a hoot as an optimist who is slowly cracking under pressure, and He is a sweetheart in a breakout role that requires him to be quick-witted but also humble and unassuming.

The primary focus on Maggie’s synesthesia narrows Magnetosphere’s audience to a very specific crowd. But when that very specific, young movie goer sees Magnetosphere, they’re going to have a new favourite movie.

Read Wylie Writes’ interview with Magnetosphere writer/director Nicola Rose here!

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie