By John Corrado
Toy Gun Bandit, the new film from Quebec writer-director Rémi St-Michel, is a work that feels inspired by the scrappy, propulsive filmmaking of the Safdie brothers. That’s a lofty comparison, to be sure, but their influence is felt throughout this frenetic Québécois crime movie, which serves as both an entertaining and suspenseful portrait of a youthful descent into criminality, and the introduction of an exciting new voice in the Canadian filmmaking landscape.
St-Michel’s film follows Félix (Félix Munger), a rambunctious teen boy in Quebec City who stumbles into being a young thug. The film opens on him celebrating his birthday, with a series of hijinks that culminate in him robbing a gas station convenience store. This sets in motion a chain of events that lead him to wannabe gangster Dave (David Beaudoin), who pulls him into a crime ring with young crack addict Sara (Sara Montpetit). Their target? Going old school and robbing a bank.
In its portrait of characters on the fringes of society, the film is carried by a compelling breakout performance from newcomer Munger. He brings a youthful swagger to his portrayal of Félix, a restless young lad desperate for attention and going down a dark path. The film never excuses the character’s bad behaviour, but it does find some sympathy in his youthful naivete and stupidity.
While Toy Gun Bandit is not St-Michel’s debut feature, it’s his sophomore effort following 2019’s Before We Explode, it will surely serve has his calling card. The filmmaker shows a knack for cinematic style throughout, including his own energetic editing during the robbery sequences, as well as Xavier Bossé’s nighttime cinematography and gritty framing of the action.
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