Mile End Kicks presents itself as a heartwarming and personal indie rom-com that channels the energy of music and youthful self-exploration in the vibrant setting of 2010s Montreal. The story follows Grace Pine (Barbie Ferreira, Euphoria), a 24-year-old music critic who moves from Toronto to Montreal with the intention of writing a book about Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she immerses herself in the local indie scene, becoming the publicist for an up-and-coming rock band and getting entangled in a complicated love triangle with two of its members. The confusion, self-discovery, and interplay between music and personal life lead Grace to one of the most important steps of her life. A blend of humor, romance, and intimate moments of growth, the film features a soundtrack that underscores its alternative spirit.
Directed and written by Chandler Levack, Mile End Kicks is her second feature-length film after I Like Movies and is partly inspired by the filmmaker’s own experience as a music critic in her youth. The film premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was presented as a fresh and personal take on the coming-of-age genre, filled with humor and music, but also reflections on insecurity, creativity, and self-affirmation in a cultural world dominated by male voices. The cast features an outstanding central performance by Ferreira, alongside Devon Bostick, Jay Baruchel, Juliette Gariépy, and Stanley Simons, bringing depth to a film praised for its ability to capture the complexity of twentysomething life.
Credits
Year: 2025
Runtime: 111′
Country: Canada
Direction: Chandler Levack
Screenplay: Chandler Levack
Cast: Barbie Ferreira, Jay Baruchel, Devon Bostick
Cinematography: Alejandro Mejía
Subtitles: Jeremy Cox
Contact: Adso Films
Wins & nominations
2024 | Toronto Film Festival
2025 | Palm Springs Film Festival