Snow Cake (2006): A Poignant Tale of Autism, Connection, and Tolerance

Did you know no two snowflakes are alike?

Snow Cake is a 2006 film. Alex Hughes gives Vivienne Freeman a ride home, but they get in a fatal car accident, thus killing her. Overcome with grief, Alex pays a visit to Vivienne’s mother, Linda, a high-functioning autistic woman. He stays around for a week as they become friends and learn to be more open-minded.

We need more sincere movies like Snow Cake. This film made me feel several emotions, but mostly gratitude for enforcing a positive story about tolerance. Snow Cake is a personable look into autism and finding connections during hard times.

The late Alan Rickman was the first choice as Alex Hughes. As one of his personal favorite roles, Rickman is wonderful. It’s always so weird seeing him in a non-villainous role. Alex’s tolerance and patience towards Linda is commendable. He has a difficult time communicating with her, but never gives up, knowing things will work out.

Rickman suggested Sigourney Weaver for the role of Linda Freeman. Linda Freeman is a contrasting character that Weaver boldly performed. She wanted her portrayal of an autistic woman to be respectful and genuine. Weaver spent time with Ros Blackburn, a woman with high-functioning autism, and took note of her mannerisms and characteristics.

Linda lives on a strict routine, keeping the house organized. Nobody is allowed in her kitchen. She loves jumping on her trampoline, dancing to her favorite song, and snow. I’m not an expert, but I feel that Linda should have endured an emotional connection to her late daughter. However, a scene where she is dancing to her favorite song was satisfying.

The interactions between Alex and Linda is the film’s core. Their bond shapes a sense of connection and breaks societal barriers. This film is an acceptable example of the right ways to communicate with someone with a disability. Alex is uncertain on how to approach some situations, but he learns methods to make them both satisfied.

10 years before starring as Stevie Budd in the hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek, Emily Hampshire stars as Linda’s daughter, Vivienne. Her performance is a great example of how you make small roles memorable. In her short screen-time, Hampshire captured her character’s responsibility and outgoing personality. She deserved a Best Supporting Actress Award!

More credits include Carrie-Anne Moss as Maggie, the neighbor next door. I was super excited to see Selina Cadell who played the neuterotic Mrs. Tishell in the British series, Doc Martin. James Allodi, Callum Keith Rennie, David Fox, Jayne Eastwood, and Julie Stewart also appear as various characters.

Snow Cake is a story about learning to accept people for who they are. For the time the film was made, Marc Evans’ direction is commendable, handling difficult themes with empathy. The story is paced well, allowing the story to unfold naturally. He captures quiet moments of the characters as they navigate grief.

Everything went as planned in the making of Snow Cake, sans the weather. In contrast to the story’s cold weather, the areas they filmed in Ontario, Canada had an unexpected warm spell and truckloads of snow had to be brought in from outside the town. The snow is an important element in the film, representing the character’s emotional states.

Snow Cake is an emotional story. I liked the addition with the truck driver trying to make amends with Alex. This character is called back for a poignant reconciliation. It’s better to forgive than hold grudges.

I love finding movies like Snow Cake. Snow Cake deserves more recognition, especially for the commendable performances.