Kissed

Kissed is a romantic drama film released in 1996, directed by Lynne Stopkewich. The movie revolves around the enigmatic life of Samantha 'Sam' Taylor, played by Molly Parker, a young woman with a passion for death and its beauty. She is a coroner's assistant at the age of 23, working for her uncle, the coroner of a small town in rural Ontario, Canada. The film opens with Sam's unique perspective on life, literally. As she begins her new day at the morgue, she carefully prepares the deceased body, adding a few touches of her own, as mentioned in the overview. Her meticulous attention to detail and creative approach to death make it seem almost aesthetically pleasing. This contrasts sharply with her dull, ordinary life, where she struggles to find meaning and connection in the world. Sam's family is deeply entrenched in death-related work, and her life has become a constant cycle of dealing with the dead. Her uncle, the coroner, has always seen her as a help, and his expectations dictate her every move. However, this doesn't stop her from seeking excitement and passion in her life. One day, while working at the morgue, Sam discovers a mysterious body, who turns out to be a young woman who has died in childbirth. As she examines the body, she becomes fascinated by the beauty and mystery surrounding death and the life that has been lost. The mysterious body serves as a catalyst for Sam to search for the deceased woman's identity and, ultimately, her lover. As she embarks on this journey, she encounters a cast of characters who, in various ways, challenge her views on life, death, and love. One of them is Sande (played by Kyle Labine), a young teenager at the local cemetery, who is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality after the death of his father. Throughout her investigation, Sam forms an unlikely bond with Sande, as they explore the cemetery at night and share stories about life and death. This poignant portrayal highlights their mutual understanding of the complexities surrounding mortality. As their connection deepens, they find comfort in each other's company, which contrasts with Sam's superficial relationships with others. While navigating the complex world of grief, loss, and death, the movie takes the viewer on a reflective journey about the mysteries and beauty of life. It raises questions about the significance of human existence, the importance of relationships, and the impact of our experiences on shaping our perspectives. The film's narrative defies the conventional romantic comedy or a straightforward drama, instead embracing an unconventional and poignant exploration of existential crises. Despite being set in a small, rural town, the movie delves into profound themes that are relevant to people from diverse walks of life. Kissed presents an immersive and thought-provoking portrait of a young woman searching for meaning in the world. As Sam and Sande navigate their relationships and life paths, they embody the complexities of the human experience. Ultimately, the film leaves the viewer pondering about the fleeting nature of life and the significance of human connections. As the movie progresses, the enigmatic mystery surrounding the young woman's body slowly unravels, mirroring the complexities of Sam's own existence. Through her journey, we witness a transformation in Sam's perspective on death and life, shifting from mere fascination to profound understanding. The movie concludes on a note of introspection and acceptance, as Sam comes to terms with her role in the world and the significance of the connections she has formed. Kissed is a poignant, visually evocative, and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities surrounding life, death, and human relationships. The film encourages the viewer to reflect on their own mortality, sparking a deeper appreciation for the world and the people in it.