November 17, 2025

 

“Canadian, Sniper (2024)” — A Quiet Descent into the Mind of a Soldier

Introduction

Canadian, Sniper (2024), directed and written by Michel Kandinsky, is a war drama that avoids typical battlefield spectacle. Instead, it offers an intimate exploration of what happens after the war—when a soldier returns home and discovers that his most dangerous enemy is within himself.

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Plot & Premise

The story follows a nameless Canadian army sniper, played by François Arnaud, who after military service attempts to rebuild his life on a remote farm. Yet peace remains out of reach. Haunted by flashbacks and violent urges, he struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As he searches for answers about his past, including the fate of his father, his grip on reality begins to unravel.

The narrative unfolds in a minimalist style, relying on atmosphere, silence, and psychological tension rather than large-scale action scenes.

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Cast & Production

• François Arnaud as the Sniper, a man whose anonymity symbolizes the universal struggles of returning veterans.

• Lothaire Bluteau as Sheriff Charron, representing authority and the uneasy relationship between society and the traumatized soldier.

• Sophie Desmarais, Roch Castonguay, and Philip Riccio in supporting roles that highlight the sniper’s attempts to reconnect with community and family.

• Cinematography by Duraid Munajim, using light and shadow to mirror the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

• Runtime: 83 minutes. The film had its festival debut in late 2024.

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Themes & Style

PTSD and Trauma

The film is primarily a study of the long-term scars of war. The protagonist’s struggle illustrates how combat experiences linger, often destroying the peace soldiers hoped to find at home.

Identity and Alienation

The choice to leave the sniper unnamed makes his story representative of many veterans. His alienation, both from others and from himself, underscores the difficulty of returning to ordinary life.

Blurred Reality

The film intentionally leaves audiences uncertain about what is real and what is a product of trauma. This ambiguity builds unease and reflects the fractured state of the sniper’s mind.

Visual Mood

Long, quiet shots and subdued tones dominate the film, creating a somber atmosphere. Rather than explosions and spectacle, silence and shadow drive the storytelling.

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Reception

Reactions to Canadian, Sniper have been divided. Many critics praise its restraint and François Arnaud’s intense performance, calling it a bold psychological study. Others feel that the film’s minimalism creates emotional distance, making it challenging for audiences to fully connect with the character.

Unlike traditional war films that focus on battles, this movie emphasizes the psychological cost of warfare after the fighting has ended.

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Conclusion

Canadian, Sniper (2024) is not a conventional action war film, but rather a haunting meditation on trauma, memory, and identity. By shifting attention from the battlefield to the human soul, it invites viewers to confront the hidden wounds of war. Though its slow pacing may not appeal to everyone, it stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking work.