A Simple Curve (2005)

In the tranquil beauty of Slocan Valley, British Columbia, a tale of generational divide, noble ideals, and harsh realities unfolds. A Simple Curve centers around Caleb, a 27-year-old who is caught within the crossroads of his father's idyllic past and his own pragmatic future. Raised in the shadow of the majestic Kootenays by his free-spirited father, Jim, and bearing the weight of a shared custom furniture business, Caleb is torn between his past and future. Jim, a widowed craftsman, and American draft dodger from the Vietnam War era, is a man of principles. He is relentlessly committed to creating high-quality furniture, no matter the cost or customer demand, much to the consternation of his business-savvy son. Caleb, on the other hand, sees the harsh economic realities looming over their carpentry shop and aims to steer the business towards a financially secure future. Their lives take an unexpected turn with the return of Matthew, a wealthy developer and an army deserter from their hippie days. Now a corporate man building a high-end lodge, Matthew secretly commissions Caleb for a lucrative chair-making contract. Caleb sees this as a golden opportunity for their struggling business but knows his father's disdain for corporate interests. Thus, he keeps this information hidden from Jim, igniting a spark of deception that threatens to consume their relationship. Meanwhile, Caleb's life is further complicated by his new girlfriend, Lee, who has recently found her home in the valley. A secret harbored by Jim adds another layer of complexity, threatening to upend Caleb's world. As Caleb navigates through these challenges, he finds himself grappling with the age-old question of whether the ends truly justify the means, leading him to confront the very essence of his upbringing. A Simple Curve is a captivating journey of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the delicate balance between preserving one's ideals and embracing change. An intimate exploration of a father-son relationship set against the backdrop of a changing world, it's a tale that will resonate with anyone who's ever found themselves standing on the threshold of their past and future.

A Simple Curve is a drama movie featuring Kris Lemche and directed by Aubrey Nealon.

A Simple Curve is currently streaming on Film Movement Plus.