Loyalties (1986 film)

Loyalties is a 1986 Canadian drama film directed by Anne Wheeler. The film explores the complex dynamics of two families in rural Saskatchewan: the Wilsons, an American family on the run from the FBI, and the MacLeods, a Scottish immigrant family.

The narrative revolves around the differing perspectives and conflicting loyalties each family member experiences when faced with moral dilemmas. The Wilsons, headed by Rosanne (Susan Wooldridge), seek refuge and start a new life after her husband, David (Kenneth Welsh), is accused of a political crime. The MacLeods, represented by Ian (R.H. Thomson) and his wife Sheena (Patricia Hamilton), struggle with their own principles and compassion as they grapple with the Wilsons' situation and the potential consequences of harboring them.

Themes explored in Loyalties include the burden of secrets, the meaning of family, the immigrant experience, and the clash between personal ethics and societal expectations. The film examines how individuals navigate difficult circumstances when their allegiance to family, country, and personal values are put to the test. Critically acclaimed for its nuanced performances and thoughtful exploration of human nature, Loyalties offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of morality and the sacrifices people make in the name of loyalty.