HIGHWAY OF TEARS: THE UNSOLVED SERIAL MURDERS OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN

Cinemavixion Review

Matthew Smiley's documentary, "Highway Of Tears: The Unsolved Serial Murders Of Aboriginal Women," offers a harrowing look into a deeply disturbing Canadian tragedy. The film meticulously investigates the 725-kilometer stretch of Highway 16 in British Columbia, a corridor tragically synonymous with the disappearances and murders of numerous Indigenous women since 1970. Smiley delves beyond the sensationalism of the crimes, exploring the complex socio-economic factors that contribute to this ongoing crisis. The documentary unflinchingly examines the devastating legacy of generational poverty, the enduring trauma of residential schools, pervasive systemic violence, and the crippling effects of high unemployment that plague First Nation reserves. This is a vital, albeit difficult, watch that sheds crucial light on a national shame, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and advocate for change.