A movie that is crafted in the trauma of real horrors, fictionalizing them for the silver screen, are always impactful, but the horrifying realities that Marie Clements (Bones of Crows) brings to life along with her incredible cast of Indigenous talent is one of the year’s best movies and, arguably, one of the best movies in recent memory. It is a chilling, harrowing, disturbing tale that will leave you in utter disbelief and disgust about the atrocities committed. Having its world premiere in the Centerpiece section of TIFF 2026, How We Stand proves that a title is more than just a title, it’s a motivation to not be silenced or forgotten, to stand to be heard and ensure that the horrors that existed and still do exist do not continue.
How We Stand is based on Clements’s own play, Tombs of the Vanishing Indian, and focuses on Jessie (Amber Midthunder), Miranda (Alyssa Wapanatâhk), and Janey (Isabel DeRoy-Olson), three grown up sisters the ‘80s who had been separated after witnessing their mother (Cara-Jade Myers) get killed in front of them in 1950s Oklahoma.
Looking at all three characters, we have Jessie, a doctor wanting to do better for the community and to help others. Conversely, we have Miranda, who wants to break onto the scene as an actress and believes she can and is quite literally willing to do whatever it takes to get the role. Janey, the third sister, is going through something traumatic and is one of the most complex characters at first glance.
Amber Midthunder as Jessie in HOW WE STAND. Photo courtesy of TIFF.
Clements’s script is tight and concise, getting to the grit of everything swiftly but never revealing her hand too early. While there are a lot of realism and magical elements in the movie, nothing ever feels out of place, and, with Clements’s direction and writing being as sharp as ever, How We Stand manages to excellently, proficiently, and horrifically tell the story of these three separated sisters in a way never expected.
Now, telling a story of this magnitude and passion is only so good if the cast behind it can fully support it, as well. Thankfully, all three of these incredible talents deliver tenfold on their performances. First is Isabel DeRoy-Olson’s (Fancy Dance) performance of Janney which is a mix of sheer terror and confusion, along with drive is nothing shy of brilliant. DeRoy-Olson lays it all within Janey’s expressions — her trauma lives in her eyes, but she doesn’t know what has happened and the look of disassociation is something that truly highlights her performance of terror. Next, we have Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Peter Pan & Wendy) as Miranda, giving a very candid performance that is understated and raw, and truly delicate, and handled in a beautiful way. Lastly is Amber Midthunder (Prey; Dream Scenario), who has the most daunting and challenging performance as Jessie. Midthunder gives Jessie her sheer sense of determination and “do not f*&k with me” attitude through her cadence and delivery. The three lead performances here are nothing shy of exceptional, bringing together some of the best acting and ensemble work of the year to solidify one of the most harrowing and horrifying movies seen thus far this year.
Marie Clements’s How We Stand is one of the year’s best films. Everyone is at the top of their game, and the cinematography and directorial choices presented throughout the film are what help separate it from an already excellent field of great movies this year. There is truly something special and magical within How We Stand that just cannot be missed.
Screening during Toronto International Film Festival 2026.
For more information, head to the official Toronto International Film Festival How We Stand webpage.
Final Score: 5 out of 5.
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Categories: Films To Watch, In Theaters, Recommendation, Reviews
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