The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is a powerful film about the relationship between two women, Raven (played by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers) and Áila (Violet Nelson). After encountering each other on a bus in Vancouver, a seemingly chance encounter that leads to transformative moments for both of them. The film follows as they navigate through their intersecting worlds of poverty and privilege while addressing challenges involving racism and Indigenous rights.

The visual cues used throughout the movie convey themes of healing and resilience. One example of this is when Raven takes Áila to her own home, which serves as an oasis away from her struggles with drugs, homelessness, and violence. By showing how Raven’s home has been made into an inviting and safe place despite these challenges, it conveys a message of hope that acknowledges that everyone has the potential to create something beautiful out of brokenness. This environment also helps spur on meaningful conversations between the two characters around Indigenous rights in Canada—a theme heavily emphasized within this movie through its use of subtle imagery like indigenous artwork hung up around Raven’s home or objects connected to Canada’s colonial history being shown on screen as reminders for viewers.