Words Tabatha Golat
This March, Seaside Magazine is celebrating incredible women in our community, and it feels fitting that the brilliant new series North of North has entered the limelight to do just that.
North of North is a new Canadian series that shines a spotlight on Indigenous storytelling, led by a compelling female protagonist. In the remote Arctic town of Ice Cove, Siaja (Anna Lambe) is ready for a fresh start after making a dramatic exit from her marriage. Siaja is suddenly faced with the challenge of rebuilding her life on her own as she struggles to find her footing as a single parent. The series is a heartfelt and hilarious journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Shot on location in Iqaluit, Nunavut, North of North is an inspiring collaboration by a talented female-lead team, including creator Stacey Aglok MacDonald, and director Alethea Arnaquq-Baril. The eight-episode series is set to premiere on Netflix in Spring 2025, but you can watch it now for free on CBC Gem. The show blends sharp wit with heartfelt moments, all while showing a glimpse into Arctic life in an Inuit community.
The series showcases the traditions and values of the people, while capturing the struggles and joys of small-town life, where everyone knows your business and aren’t shy about sharing their opinions.
Anna Lambe’s performance as Siaja is charming and authentic. She has impeccable comedic timing but also delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman learning to be true to herself. The show’s humour is balanced with moments of drama, making it a compelling watch. No character is perfect, and that’s part of what makes North of North so engaging – the characters are flawed but also very likeable. The mother-daughter relationship (which is the true heart of the series) is especially touching, and the strong cast of local community members adds a refreshing depth to the show.
Beyond the storytelling, North of North is beautifully shot. The Arctic landscape is stunning, capturing the harshness and the natural beauty of life in the North. The fact that this is a Canadian-made show makes it worth celebrating even more. The series also features an incredible soundtrack, blending beautiful Inuktitut covers and Inuit throat singing that complement the story and setting. This series blends humour, heartfelt storytelling and honest characters, making North of North a must watch.
If you love strong female leads, diverse representation and genuinely great entertainment, check out my list of additional recommendations below.
1. Workin’ Moms (CBC Gem)
2. Jessica Jones (Disney+)
3. Upload (Prime Video)
4. The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
5. The Diplomat (Netflix)
