Short films do not get the press they deserve. Silver Road is about two young men, best friends through childhood, and how their road splits and their lives. Of how they struggle with saying goodbye to each other, and of underlying feelings.
The story takes place in an isolated farming community in Ontario, Canada where Mark (Jonathan Keltz) 
feels his life is and Danny (Andrew Hachey) who is leaving for university in the city of Toronto, Ontario.
The two actors are Jonathan Keltz and Andrew Hachey. It is 17 years since this film was produced, and it is interesting that in 2008 it was on the Iris Prize Shortlist, and also that Jonathan Keltz career has developed with roles in the TV series Entourage and Being, and also as Hownland Reed in Game of Thrones
The story is short, but the two actors are excellent in what is essentially a breaking up movie about unrequited love – Danny is in love with Mark and decides to let him know. It is not a new phenomenon, the difference here is the gay context and how Mark accepts or doesn’t Danny’s love.
As with all life, you can only be true to yourself; and Danny is. Mark is surprised, and initially doesn’t know how to respond. But by the final scenes, their relationship seems to back to almost normal!
In today’s world of social media contacts and mobile phones, the story situation would seem dated, particularly with the exposure of LGBTQ+ in the media, and with people coming out on YouTube or TikTok; however, it is relevant as there are still communities like the one in which this movie is set. You still have various sects which can label LGBTQ+ kids as abominations and want to get them treated.
This movie should be watched by everyone even if only to get people talking. I can see it being of great use as a starting point in a school or college class where you can discuss the storyline, the characters, real or not, is it relevant in today’s world…
I would rate this film now as a 7.0, it is not earth-shattering, but it is well crafted and anyone can
watch it.
Director: Bill Taylor
Writer: Bill Taylor
Soundtracks:
written by Tony Dekker (as T. Dekker)
performed by Great Lake Swimmers
courtesy of (weewerk) / Harbour Songs
Links:
YouTube – Silver Road