It says something about the natural cynicism of our species that dystopian visions have historically been, and still are, decidedly popular. Many writers agree that we’ll end up wiping ourselves out. It seems only fitting given our unnerving ability to make the same mistakes over and over again. There are lots of imaginative ways this might happen, but the prevailing opinion is that it’s likely to involve war. Night Raiders is set in a post-apocalyptic world where children are considered state property.
Niska (Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers) is a Cree woman who is living covertly with her daughter Waseese (Brooklyn Letexier-Hart). When a drone discovers their house, which is hidden in the woods, they have no option but to return to the city. However, when the military authorities come for her daughter, there’s nothing she can do. The teenager is taken away and trained to fight, leaving Niska with no option but to join the resistance in the hope of freeing her.
Set in North America in 2043, Night Raiders is a clever and inventive dystopian thriller which tackles historic abuses of native peoples. They say that history repeats itself and in writer/director Danis Goulet’s impressive vision indigenous children are once again being separated from their families, (re-)educated by their colonial overlords. It’s a clever premise and one which makes Night Raiders stand out from the crowd. Along with good acting, great pacing and a superb script; which never loses sight of the message.
Night Raiders is released on digital platforms by Signature Entertainment on 6 December.
