Set in a border town outside of Montreal, The Noise of Engines tells the story of Alexandre (Robert Naylor), a young weapons instructor at a customs officer college. A sexual scandal forces Alexandre to take a short leave of absence and he returns home for the time being. However, when he arrives, he quickly finds himself under suspicion by local police. They think he’s involved in a series of sexually explicit drawings that have appeared around town.

Directed by Philippe Gregoire, The Noise of Engines is a beautiful piece that explores what it means to find yourself in a culture that thinks they know who you are. Engines is heavily influenced by the French New Wave. It is unafraid to lean into its wild imagery, giving it the sense of a fever dream at times. Stunning and strange, Engines uses its visuals to highlight the intense anxiety and quiet soulfulness of its young protagonist. It captures him as he attempts to navigate his own spiritual journey.

Although Alexandre simply wants to find his own way in life, everyone around him believes that they know his true identity. None of the authority figures that surround him see him as anything other than deviant.

However, they remain unwilling to listen to Alexandre’s soul.

Sent home for 10 days, his goal is only to rediscover his deepest passions and youthful innocence. Instead, he finds only those who wish to burden him with their own unhealthy perceptions of others. As such, The Noise of Engines serves as a cry from this generation of youth who remain unheard by those who came before. The roar of the vehicles on his family’s race track are loud. Similarly, the noise of his criticisers drowns out his passion and voice to those disinterested in hearing him.