The Protector (2022 film) explained

The Protector is 2022 Canadian thriller film written and directed by Lenin M. Sivam and produced by Munire Armstrong.^[1]

It was screened at various festivals, including the Fantasia film festival,^[2] opening the Blood in the Snow Festival in Toronto^[3] and closing the Jaffna International Cinema Festival.^[4] It garnered the Best Feature Film Award at the Canal de Panama International Film Festival.^[5] The film stars Chelsea Clark (Ginny and Georgia)^[6] and features Rebecca Jenkins, Andrew Gillies, Munro Chambers and Jasmin Geljo; it also introduces Pras Lingam.

Premise

After her release from jail, Evelyn moves to a small town. She soon is fascinated by a book in which universal peace is promised.

Cast

• Chelsea Clark as Evelyn
• Rebecca Jenkins as Dr. Flora
• Andrew Gilles as Chief Gordon
• Pras Lingam as Bhairava

Production

The film "incorporates South Asian folklore" elements, the director revealing that as a child he " was captivated by the temple dedicated to Bhairava,"^[7]

The film was shot in Sault Ste. Marie.^[8]

Reception

CBR praised the acting but concluded' "Overall, The Protector offers an extremely intriguing premise but doesn't dive as deeply into its unique themes as it could have."^[9] Other reviews were also mixed.^{[10] [11]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hopewell . John . 2022-07-19 . Alarm Pictures Closes North America on Lenin M. Sivam’s ‘The Protector’ (EXCLUSIVE) . 2024-03-04 . Variety . en-US.
2. Web site: Fantasia Festival The Protector . 2024-03-04 . Fantasia Festival . en-US.
3. Web site: BiTS . 2024-03-04 . bloodinthesnow.ca.
4. Web site: Summer of cinema in Northern Peninsular . 2024-03-04 . Print Edition - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka.
5. Web site: Sharing Session with Lenin M. Sivam, Film Director – Department of Media Studies . 2024-03-04 . en-US.
6. Web site: The Protector (2022) - Cast & Crew on MUBI . 2024-03-04 . mubi.com.
7. Web site: The Protector: A Thrilling Journey of Hindu Mythology and Suspense on Amazon Prime . 2024-03-04 . TamilCulture.com . en.
8. Web site: MANIA . MOVIES and . 2022-07-03 . THE PROTECTOR (2022) Fantasy mystery thriller preview - with trailer . 2024-03-04 . MOVIES and MANIA . en-US.
9. Web site: Mendelsohn . Jon . 2022-07-29 . REVIEW: Fantasia 2022's The Protector Offers a Unique Theme With Routine Execution . 2023-01-11 . CBR . en.
10. Web site: Chaput . Edgar . 2022-07-29 . The Protector Has Good Ideas But Messy Execution . 2024-03-04 . Tilt Magazine . en.
11. Web site: Waldman . Justin . 2022-11-21 . Paint Outside The Box....: Our Review of 'The Protector' from BITS 2022 . 2024-03-04 . In The Seats . en-US.