The poignant drama, “The Lesser Blessed,” about the coming of age of a First Nation teen in the middle of nowhere Canada is one fine script. The characters in this story, based on the novel by Richard van Camp, are portrayed by some exceptional young actors.

The passage from teen to adult is never an easy journey. Larry Sole (Joel Nathan Evans), a First Nation young man of the Dogrib tribe, has more than trying to fit in in his new high school to deal with. There's the racism, the threats from classmates – including one, Darcy, a.k.a. “Moose,” (Adam Butcher) who he knew in his former hometown; and a past darkened by a sexually and physically abusive, wife battering father who is deceased when the story begins.

Larry lives with his mother (Tamara Podemski) in a modest, but comfortable home that is sometimes shared by her boyfriend (Benjamin Bratt).

But the bright spot, the sole source of light in his life is the blonde, green-eyed beauty, Juliet Hope (Chloe Rose). He crushes on her instantly.

His only friend is Johnny (Kiowa Gordon), a Métis (means 'mixed') of Native American and French-Canadian descent. He's a tough guy who's not intimidated by Moose. They meet when Johnny prevents a lit match wielded by Moose from igniting Larry's clothing.

Fire is an important part of Larry's story. And, unfortunately for him, Moose knows what that is.

Each time a match is lit, whether for a cigarette, or to light a crack pipe, Larry's mind takes him back to painful memories that he carries with him … the night of a fire, his father's abuse ...

The desolate backdrop of Canada's northwest territories is often as bleak as the lives of the people living there. Kudos to cinematographer Brendan Steacey.

Don't misunderstand, this film has some funny moments, many poignant ones. In one of his classes with Johnny, Darcy, and Juliet, Larry carves her name into his desk with great artistic flair. One day later, after Juliet has seen the engraving, she asks Larry who sat behind her in the class, to find out who her admirer is. He looks at her and says he doesn't know, but smiles as she walks away knowing it impressed her. A short time later, Juliet brings up the desk engraving again, but lets him know she is aware it was done etched by him. Larry sheepishly admits she is right.

Soon Larry, Johnny and Juliet become a trio in which Larry begins to feel some acceptance in his new school and community. Juliet and Johnny become an item after she saves him from the wrath of Darcy during a school fundraising “slave auction” by outbidding her old beau. And Larry is left to fantasize about Juliet who, to him, is the most beautiful, exquisite creature in all the world.

As the 90-minute film progresses, a damaging secret is disclosed out of malice. Situations force each character to confront his or her own demons; both self and societally created, in a most isolated environment.

The superb acting, particularly of the actors portraying the teens, and that of Bratt, are enough to make this film a don't miss. But it is the compelling story itself that should be seen by movie goers of every generation.

This film is being screened at the Harbor Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. The Theatre is located in the Meadow Mall (across from Hannaford Supermarket) at 185 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. For more information call 207-633-0438.