Madison (Star Slade) finds herself under the mercy of PC Boyd (David Reale), a rapist cop. Thankfully, her cousin Nika (Ellyn Jade) injures Boyd, calls backup, and they drive away from the scene. Investigating Boyd’s assault are Detective Timmins (Amanda Brugel) and Warhurst (Shawn Doyle). Meanwhile, the titular Nika and Madison return to their reserve. There, two women in their twenties talk things out. They reveal insecurities about their identities as Indigenous women in colonial land while coming up with plans of evading the corrupt police. Within this story are supporting characters whom Gail Maurice and Jennifer Podemski play.

For now, let’s discuss NIka and Madison’s B-plot about Timmins and Warhurst, who are polar opposites. Maybe I just like this plot arc because Queen of Canada 2023-2024 Amanda Brugel makes her presence. Another reason to like this aspect of this film is because of the potential character arcs here. There are two ways to write Warhurst but I like what triple threat Eve Thomas does with his character and how. A cynical way to look at this is a Black woman trying to teach a white man about anti-racism but it pulls that off. In a way, Timmins and Warhust are opposites, just like Nika and Madison. A resilient Indigenous story is at the forefront here so let’s return there, shall we?

Nika is a young woman comfortable in the country while Madison, visiting, is a city woman. Nika and Madison‘s plot has both women worrying about immediate things. There’s even a moment where Nika asks Madison about how she couldn’t wait for the bathroom before the incident. This isn’t the most politically correct thing to say but I like that line because it makes Nika a complex character. Nonetheless, larger issues still linger. The film’s climactic scene has Madison talking about being the reservation’s outsider, not feeling Indigenous enough. For a film that moves quickly, it’s good to have a scene that lets characters reflect.

I have maybe two minor notes about Nika and Madison that I’m counter-arguing in my head. Yes, there may be moments that feel didactic and reflective but God forbid people talk about themselves. Also, maybe both smuggling themselves in Toronto suspends disbelief but sovereign land and Toronto are a brisk two hour drive away from each other. The colonial justice system works hard but these two women work even harder to evade that. Again, despite bigger worries, it’s good for both characters to try on each other’s different lives.

The events that Nika and Madison capture take place within maybe a day or maybe two. Nika shows Madison, while hiding from cops, the almost forgotten art of foraging for wild mushrooms. In return, Madison teaches Nika the joys of body confident outfits while going to a nightclub. And I wasn’t being snarky about clubbing because clubbing back when I was young was great. The film, strangely enough, uses Toronto as a converging point for three of its main characters. It asks its viewers to believe in a lot of things but we do because it’s easy to root for these women.

Film lovers can watch Nika and Madison in select Canadian theatres.