Lately, it seems that every single film I’ve reviewed this year has had to do with the monkeyshines that are happening right here in the States. Always believe the women.
Nika and Madison
Nika and Madison is a Canadian crime thriller, directed by Eva Thomas and starring Ellyn Jade, Star Slade, Amanda Brugel, Gail Maurice, Shawn Doyle, Jennifer Podemski, and Billy Merasty. Nika and Madison is a feature-length expansion and adaptation of writer/director Eva Thomas’s award-winning 2023 short film, Redlights. When Madison (Star Slade) returns home to her First Nations reservation, she works hard to repair her relationship with her cousin Nika (Ellyn Jade).
Nika and Madison were raised by their Uncle George (Billy Merasty), and while Nika has delved into her indigenous heritage, which includes hunting, fishing, and foraging, Madison is flourishing as a city girl in Toronto. While Madison assumes that Nika is jealous of Madison’s lifestyle and freedom, a tragedy reveals a sadder secret. After Madison gets into a barfight, the two girls go on the run after Nika protects Madison from an attempted rape.
When two police detectives are assigned to the case, we watch as Detective Warhurst (Shawn Doyle) and Detective Timmins (Amanda Brugel) work past racial prejudice and police corruption as they learn more about Officer Boyd (David Reale) and try to find the girls who have taken off into the wilderness. Now let’s chat with Eva Thomas.
Marie Gilbert: Congratulations on your film. I watched your film and loved it, and immediately felt connected to the story. What was the inspiration for Nika and Madison? Was the story based on something you had personally witnessed or been a victim of? I ask because this film was portrayed so beautifully and believably.
Eva Thomas: Thelma & Louise was a major inspiration for Nika and Madison, as well as Queen & Slim—stories that follow two protagonists who find themselves in trouble with the law and ultimately go on the run. While this isn’t a story drawn from my personal experience, as an Indigenous woman, I’m deeply aware of the realities Indigenous people face within the criminal justice system. I wanted to explore that intersection—where Indigenous people encounter law enforcement—because too often, that space is not one of safety.
Marie Gilbert: Nika and Madison really hit a nerve with me because here in the States, our administration is treating our Tribal Nations as illegal immigrants. Do you feel that films written and directed by First Nation members have the potential to change the mindset of people who would normally not be aware of what life is like on reservations? Have you seen any progress with the films that you’ve done so far?
Eva Thomas: With my films, I know Indigenous audiences will understand the work on a deeper level—they see themselves in it. What’s especially meaningful to me is when non-Indigenous audiences connect as well. I believe films are “machines of empathy,” and my goal is to invite viewers into my world so they can experience that journey and come away with a deeper understanding of Indigenous lives. I’ve been to many screenings where non-Indigenous viewers have tears in their eyes after watching the film, and in those moments, I know the story has reached them.
Marie Gilbert: I loved the actors who portrayed Nika and Madison (Star Slade), but we were kind of left in the dark with what happens to Nika (Ellyn Jade) at the end. Will there be a sequel? Would you consider doing a documentary on the missing and murdered indigenous women in your country? I know it is happening here in the States, but people are not talking about it.
Eva Thomas: I get this question a lot—and I think that speaks to how much audiences connect with the characters and want to know what happens next. The ending is intentionally open, inviting people to sit with that uncertainty. As for a sequel, I’m open to the idea, but nothing is confirmed at this stage. I’m not primarily a documentary filmmaker, but it’s something I would consider exploring in the future, especially given how important and under-discussed these issues are.
Marie Gilbert: What are you working on, now?
Eva Thomas: Right now, I’m still focused on Nika & Madison as it continues its journey through the festival circuit, theatrical run, and into streaming platforms. Alongside that, I’m developing my next project, which is an adaptation of a novel—so stay tuned for more details.
I strongly encourage everyone to watch Nika and Madison with its great acting and great script.
