

Two prim English ladies versus the Canadian wilderness—who wins, nature or petticoats?
Susanna and Catharine were brought up in a large estate in England. They married soldiers and both couples headed to Canada only to be disappointed. Catharine, a lover of nature, adapted better than Susanna, a society person.
Acting
Thompson and Spidell nail strained sisterly chemistry.
Cinematography
Bleak, beautiful Ontario wilderness as antagonist.
Costume
Impractical English finery slowly surrendering to mud.
Director
Susan Dando
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Both sisters became famous authors—Susanna for 'Roughing It in the Bush,' Catharine for botanical guides. Their rivalry literally shaped Canadian literature.
The film subtly mirrors their real books: Susanna's scenes are darker and more dramatic, Catharine's linger on plants and silver linings. It's literally two conflicting narratives of the same events.
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