Cardinals (2017)
A quiet, tense Canadian thriller about guilt, grief, and the impossible weight of a past that refuses to stay buried.
Cardinals - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cardinals
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Grayson Moore, Aidan Shipley
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 9, 2018
- Production Companies: Dazmo Camera, Wildling Pictures, Téléfilm Canada, Touchpoint Films
- Production Countries: Canada
Cardinals - Plot
When Valerie returns home from prison years after killing her neighbour in an apparent drunk driving accident, she wants nothing more than to move on - until the deceased's son shows up at her door and it becomes clear that the past is not easily forgotten.
Cardinals - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this gripping Canadian thriller:
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Cardinals - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Grayson Moore
- Aidan Shipley
Main Cast
- Sheila McCarthy
- Katie Boland
- Grace Glowicki
- Noah Reid
- Peter MacNeill
- Catherine Fitch
- Peter Spence
- Sarah Abbott
- Anthony Ulc
- T.J. McGibbon
Writers
- Grayson Moore
Cardinals - FAQs
What is Cardinals about?
Cardinals follows Valerie, a woman who returns home after serving a prison sentence for killing her neighbour in a drunk driving accident. Just as she tries to rebuild her life, the victim's son arrives at her door, forcing her to reckon with guilt, grief, and the weight of the past.
Who plays Valerie in Cardinals?
Sheila McCarthy plays Valerie Walker, the central character in Cardinals. Her nuanced, understated performance anchors the film, portraying a woman quietly struggling to move forward while the consequences of her past refuse to stay buried.
Where can you stream Cardinals?
You can watch Cardinals on Tubi TV for free with ads, or stream it for free through Hoopla. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who directed Cardinals (2017)?
Cardinals was co-directed by Grayson Moore and Aidan Shipley. Moore also wrote the screenplay. The film marked a strong debut for both directors, earning praise for its restrained, atmospheric approach to a story about guilt and unresolved grief.
Is Cardinals based on a true story?
Cardinals is not based on a specific true story. It's an original screenplay written by Grayson Moore. However, its themes — drunk driving, incarceration, and the long aftermath of a fatal accident — feel grounded in real human experience and resonate with genuine emotional truth.
What happens when Mark confronts Valerie in Cardinals?
When Mark Loekner, the son of Valerie's victim, shows up at her door after her release from prison, the encounter sets off a tense, slow-burning confrontation. What begins as a visit charged with grief and anger gradually reveals that the truth behind the accident may be more complicated than it seemed.
How long is Cardinals?
Cardinals runs for 84 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that suits the film's intimate, slow-burn tone. There's no wasted space here; every scene builds tension and character with quiet precision.
What are movies similar to Cardinals?
If Cardinals resonated with you, you might enjoy The Limey (1999), Hunger (2008), and South of Heaven (2021) for their shared themes of crime, consequence, and moral reckoning. Absolution (2024) and The Locksmith (2023) are also solid picks for fans of character-driven thrillers.
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