This film, set in the era of Toronto’s basement bars and home demos that defined a scene, is not just a love letter to Canadian indie rock; it also captures the heartbeat of a generation shaped by punk ethos and queer love. The New Normals, chasing fame, face the risk of drowning in creative tension, romantic chaos, and the deep waters of gender and identity exploration.
Director Karen Knox brings her signature blend of humor, heartbreak, and queer sensibility from her previous works to her debut feature film. Her documentary-like, unpolished approach creates a grainy authenticity reminiscent of 2000s VHS vibes, transforming nostalgia into visual poetry. The film’s cast—Lane Webber, Daniel Gravelle, and June Laporte—lived together before filming, infusing the story’s emotional core with a chaotic chemistry that keeps it alive.
We Forgot to Break Up carries the spirit of films like Hedwig and the Angry Inch and We Are the Best!, belonging to the wave of queer indie cinema that uses music as a tool for rebellion and identity. The film seamlessly integrates trans and nonbinary identities into its central narrative, positioning them not as side notes but as the heart of the band’s creative energy. Critics praise its emotional resonance and raw honesty; dubbed by IndieWire as “part mockumentary, part love letter,” the film succeeds not through perfection but through sheer authenticity.
This is a story for everyone who is young, broke, queer, and chasing art. It’s an artistic celebration of falling apart and rebuilding.
Film Details:
- Director: Karen Knox
- Writers: Noel S. Baker, Pat Mills, Zoë Whittall
- Release Year: 2024
- Themes: Queer Identity, Musical Cinema, Youth and Creativity
- Note: The film has garnered strong interest on the Canadian independent festival circuit.
