Newfoundland Drama Sweet Angel Baby is struggling to update the Scarlet Letter for the Instagram era

“Dear Angel Darling”: A Coastal Drama Unfolds in Newfoundland

“Dear Angel Darling” is a compelling film written and directed by Melanie Oates, featuring a talented cast including Michaela Kurimsky, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, and Peter Moeney. The film, set in a national fishing village in Newfoundland, explores the life of Eliza, a young woman with a mysterious online persona that ultimately leads to her public shaming.

Eliza leads a quiet life in her close-knit community, participating in local events and maintaining friendships with the town’s residents. However, she harbors two secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade. Eliza is queer and in a relationship with Toni, a fellow restaurant worker, and she also runs an anonymous Instagram account under the name “Lil_wildling,” where she posts provocative images to a large following.

The arrival of a married man who recognizes Eliza from her online persona sets off a chain of events that exposes her secrets to her community, including her family and lover. The film delves into themes of privacy, self-expression, and the consequences of online visibility in a small town environment.

The cinematography by Christopher Mably captures the isolation and tension of the village, highlighting the contrast between the rugged coastline and the intimate interiors of the locals’ homes. The film expertly navigates the complexities of identity and acceptance, particularly in the face of judgment and ostracization.

“Dear Angel Darling” offers a poignant exploration of the challenges of self-acceptance and the power dynamics at play in a small, gossip-driven community. The film’s nuanced portrayal of Eliza’s struggles with her identity and online persona adds depth to the narrative, culminating in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story.

Overall, “Dear Angel Darling” is a captivating and thought-provoking film that will leave audiences reflecting on the complexities of identity, community, and acceptance. Don’t miss this compelling drama when it opens in selected theaters on August 18.