The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open

The film begins with vignettes that introduce Rosie, a young Kwakwaka’wakw woman, and Áila, who is of Blackfoot and Sámi heritage. These brief glimpses set the stage for their respective struggles and connection throughout the story.

Rosie is portrayed as pregnant and living with her violent boyfriend and his mother. The tension of her situation is highlighted when she flees from him, illustrating her desperate need for escape from abuse.

Áila arrives at the doctor's office to have an IUD inserted. This moment reflects her proactive approach to her own life, contrasting with Rosie's troubled reality.

After her appointment, Áila finds Rosie battered and barefoot in the rain, desperately fleeing her boyfriend. Áila's instinct is to help, leading her to offer Rosie shelter in her apartment.

Once in Áila's apartment, Rosie is reserved and hesitant to relinquish her wet clothes for drying. This reluctance hints at her troubled past and difficulty in trusting others.

While changing in the bathroom, Rosie steals a bottle of Áila's anxiety medication and her wallet. This act of desperation indicates Rosie's struggle and the lengths to which she has been pushed by her circumstances.

As Áila and Rosie consider going to a women's shelter, Rosie becomes cheerful, fabricating a story about being sisters. Later, Áila confronts Rosie about selling the medication, leading to a tense confrontation that reveals Rosie's defensive nature.

When they reach the safe house, Áila insists on accompanying Rosie inside. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Cat and Sophie, who offer support and a safe space away from her abusive situation.

Inside the safe house, Rosie shares details about her boyfriend's abuse but refuses to go to the police or join her grandparents, fearing judgment. This illustrates her internal conflict and desire to return despite the danger.

After a moment alone with her unborn child, Rosie decides she wants to return home to her boyfriend, contrary to the help being offered to her. This emphasizes the complexity of her situation and the emotional pull she feels toward her abuser.

Sophie reassures Áila that it’s normal for victims of abuse to struggle with leaving their abuser. She provides Áila with money for the taxi, acknowledging the difficulty and offering tangible support.

Áila and Rosie share a quiet cab ride back to Rosie's apartment, during which there is a moment of connection. Rosie expresses concern about Áila's feelings towards her, and Áila comforts her, affirming they will both be good mothers.

As they arrive at the apartment, Rosie steps out, and Áila watches her go. This bittersweet moment underscores the deep bond formed between the two women and leaves Áila reflecting on their experience together.