Empire of Dirt

Synopsis

Empire of Dirt follows the story of Lena, a young mother struggling to keep her family together despite the challenges of their poverty-stricken life on a First Nations reserve in Canada. When her troubled son, a talented but troubled teenager, is sent to live with her estranged father, the family is forced to confront their shared history and confront the generational trauma that has plagued them. Through themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the strength of family bonds, Empire of Dirt is a poignant and emotionally charged drama that explores the complexities of indigenous identity and the power of healing through connection.

Cast

• 

  Cara Gee

  Lena Mahikan

• Shay Eyre

  Peeka Mahikan

• 

  Jennifer Podemski

  Minnie Mahikan

• 

  Luke Kirby

  Russell Carter

• 

  Jordan Prentice

  Warren Fensky

• 

  Michael Cram

  Doc Baker

Reviews

Empire of Dirt has garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film for its authentic portrayal of indigenous struggles and the strong performances by the cast, others felt the plot was somewhat predictable and lacked depth. The emotional depth of the characters and their relationships was appreciated by many, with Cara Gee's performance as Lena being a standout. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a rating of 60%, indicating a lukewarm reception from critics. IMDb rated it 6.6/10, suggesting a slightly above average score. Overall, Empire of Dirt is a compelling drama that sheds light on important social issues and family dynamics.