Bones of Crows (2022): Cast, Ratings & Where to Watch
Bones of Crows is a 2022 historical drama directed by Marie Clements, starring Grace Dove as Aline Spears, Summer Testawich and Michelle Thrush. It runs 2 hours 2 minutes and was made on a reported $19 million budget. Its Echo Score is 84/100. Stream it on Hulu.
- Echo Score
- 84
- budget
- $19M
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 2m (122 min)
- Director
- Marie Clements
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Screen Siren Pictures
- Budget
- $19M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Bones of Crows About?
The premise of Bones of Crows without spoilers.
After surviving Canada’s residential school system, Cree matriarch Aline Spears keeps her family’s fight against starvation, racism and sexual abuse alive. Her rare talent for decoding languages lands her as a Cree code‑talker in a Canadian Air Force unit during World II. Spanning a century, the film follows her legacy of resistance and hope.
Where to Watch Bones of Crows
Stream it on Hulu. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
Bones of Crows Cast & Characters
Grace Dove leads the cast as Aline Spears, with Summer Testawich as Young Aline Spears and Michelle Thrush as January Spears. Directed by Marie Clements; 90 actors are credited in all.
- Director Marie Clements
-
Grace Dove as Aline Spears - Summer Testawich as Young Aline Spears
- Michelle Thrush as January Spears
- Glen Gould as Matthew Spears
Also Starring in Bones of Crows
· 86 more- Alyssa Wapanatâhk Perseverance Spears
- Carla-Rae Older Aline Spears
- Sierra Rose McRae Young Perseverance Spears
- Ava Ahn Le Young Talia Spears
- Kwecta'mn Pierre Teen Perseverance Spears
- Jonathan Whitesell Thomas Miller
- John Tench Trueman Quinn
- Rémy Girard Father Jacobs
- Alanis Obomsawin TRC Film Director
- Karine Vanasse Sister Ruth
- Tahmoh Penikett Major Stevens
- Linden Banks Father Walters
- Denis Corbett Concert goer (uncredited)
- Yolanda Corbett Concert goer (uncredited)
- Jenn Griffin Barbra
- Patrick Garrow Archbishop Thomas Miller
Show all 90 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Claude Knowlton Monsignor Louis Caron
- Gail Maurice Older Taylor Whallach
- Harrison Coe Father Claude
- Tanaya Beatty Taylor
- Ian Hawes Police Officer
- Cara Gee Percy Whallach
- Jeff Gladstone Roger Wells
- Dane Stevens Chief of Police
- Joshua Odjick Jake Whallach
- Benjamin Jacobson Jewish Boy
- Tim Beckmann Dr. Douglas
- Corey Turner White John
- Gerald Auger Chief Wandering Spirit
- Lucas Penner RCMP Constable One
- Shannon Baker Sally Whallach
- Alain Mickelson Elder
- Nancy Duchaine Sister Mary
- Paulina Alexis Immpy
- Kindall Charters Charlie Tomkins
- Guy Castonguay Bishop Willis
- Thomas Orr-Loney James
- Tyler Peters Young Adam Whallach
- Margo Kane Grandma Mary Whallach
- Trevor Hinton Daddy John
- Kendra Hesketh Catholic Nun Nurse #2
- Phillip Forest Lewitski Adam Whallach
- Brett Harris Dr. Dune
- Mariel Belanger Old Native Auntie #1
- Ron Wear Jimmy the Pimp
- Regan Ross Stoney Guard
- Wayne Lavallee Dwayne Todd
- Kevin Loring Older Jake Whallach
- Jesse Zubot Symphony Conductor
- Ethan Evans Preteen Johnnie
- Nick Heffelfinger Father Davis
- Ridley Havok McLeod Todd the Toad
- Neville Bowman RCMP Constable #2
- Tess Hunter Tank
- Nathan Plumite Young Police Officer
- Allan Luna Army Code Instructor
- Payne Merasty Young Tye Spears
- Conner Alook-Oar Askuwheteau
- Marcio Barauna Italian Translator
- Sharla Berg Old Native Auntie #2
- Lesli Brownlee Sister Theresa
- Dean Christy Archbishop Dresser
- Marcel Jayden Ray Commodore Baby Jake Whallach
- Jonathon Connelly Josh Sanders
- Jaina Dargatz Young Percy Whallach
- Cameron Fraser-Monroe Young Dr. Tim Wallach
- Teya Gabriel Young Taylor Whallach
- Alexey Gammer Father John
- Rosemary Georgeson Female Inmate
- Dominic Greco Pope Benedict XVI
- Michael Goudge Justice of the Peace
- Daryll Laboucan Askuwheteau's Father
- Carter Kus Freddie
- Mayson Marshall Indigenous Choir Girl
- Trina McDonald Stern Guard One
- Jeremy O'Driscoll Recruitment Officer
- Valerie Oliver Chief
- Jayden Paul Mike Hill
- Ruth Peters Askuwheteau's Mother
- Vance Potter Father Stevens
- Shannon Rattai Sister Colette
- Devin Rennie Young David
- Jaxon Swakum-Malloway Joseph Wilson
- Alora Killam Adult Choir
- Lily Killam Choir Kid
- James Lafazanos Bishop Willis (credit only)
Bones of Crows Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 84/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).
Bones of Crows Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Bones of Crows delivers a compelling cinematic experience that foregrounds a painful chapter of Canadian history with notable craftsmanship. The film’s direction and visual composition are praised for their elegance, while performances, especially by Grace Dove, are highlighted as powerful and nuanced. Narrative breadth occasionally overwhelms the pacing, and the didactic tone near the conclusion divides opinion. Nevertheless, the work is regarded as essential viewing for its emotional depth and cultural significance, resulting in a strong positive consensus.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, the film is noted for its polished direction and striking cinematography that capture expansive landscapes and intimate interiors with an understated palette. Production design faithfully recreates historical settings, and editing maintains a measured rhythm despite the multi‑generational narrative. While some viewers find the pacing uneven, the overall visual execution is regarded as highly effective.
- Character & Emotion 90
When evaluating character and emotion, the ensemble delivers nuanced portrayals that anchor the film’s emotional weight. Grace Dove’s performance is described as layered and courageous, conveying both trauma and resilience, while supporting actors such as Michelle Thrush add depth to the familial dynamics. The chemistry among the cast reinforces the intergenerational impact, yielding a resonant and authentic emotional core.
- Story & Flow 78
The story and flow are centered on a multi‑generational saga that intertwines personal trauma with broader historical contexts. Reviewers commend the film’s ability to illuminate the lasting effects of residential schools, yet some note that the dense layering of timelines creates occasional narrative congestion and a didactic closing. Overall, the plot remains engaging and purposeful despite these pacing challenges.
- Sensory Experience 88
Sensory experience in the film is marked by a rich visual style and a restrained soundscape that support its somber tone. The cinematography highlights natural light and muted colour schemes, while the musical score subtly underscores emotional beats without overwhelming the narrative. Though specific soundtrack commentary is limited, the overall auditory‑visual cohesion contributes positively to immersion.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch factor is tempered by the film’s heavy emotional content, which can make subsequent viewings demanding. Nevertheless, its cultural relevance, powerful performances, and striking visuals encourage audiences to revisit for deeper understanding of the historical themes. While some viewers may limit repeat viewings due to its intensity, the lasting impact ensures it remains a film worth returning to.
Bones of Crows Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Bones of Crows.
Seen Bones of Crows?
Bones of Crows FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, budget and post-credit scenes of Bones of Crows, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Bones of Crows?
Bones of Crows runs 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).
When was Bones of Crows released?
Bones of Crows was released on September 10, 2022.
Who directed Bones of Crows?
Bones of Crows was directed by Marie Clements.
More films by Marie Clements Who is in the cast of Bones of Crows?
Bones of Crows stars Grace Dove as Aline Spears, Summer Testawich as Young Aline Spears and Michelle Thrush as January Spears, among 90 credited actors.
Where can I watch Bones of Crows?
In the US, Bones of Crows is streaming on Hulu (availability from JustWatch).
What was the budget of Bones of Crows?
Bones of Crows had a reported budget of $19 million.
Does Bones of Crows have a post-credit scene?
No. Bones of Crows has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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