Bernard Émond’s final film in his trilogy about the three theological virtues, La Donation, attempts to find a secular meaning for the philosophy. Even if one is a non-believer, like M. Émond, he would like them to use nearly two thousand years of teachings in order to do well for themselves and others. La Donation follows Jeanne Dion as she first moves to the small town of Normétal in Abitibi in order to replace an old doctor named Yves Rainville for a month and later documents her decision about whether or not to stay after he suddenly dies.
Since the forestry and mining industries left, Normétal has been deserted, shrinking in population from over three thousand to under nine hundred. Though he first moved to the town as a company doctor, Dr. Rainville decided to stay because he became attached to his patients, who are scattered across the region. Dr. Dion does not know if she can work in the same situation, as watching very bad events befall her patients affects her emotionally.
M. Émond told the Q and A that although he understands that cinema is fake, he tries to create very real situations. The entire film was shot on location – apparently several lighting problems were created by the northern environment (and resolved) – so it showcases the solitary beauty of Abitibi, along with the solitary desperation of the town and its citizens.
Eventually, Dr. Dion becomes enamored with the natural milieu and begins to see changes among her patients. Though there still may be occasional steps back, she chooses to move forward with her life. Charity, defined as a voluntary and selfless gift to others, is a virtue that anyone, religious or not, can follow in order to better themselves and the community around them.
Émond uses many still shots in order to focus on the calm skies, clear waters, and dense forest in the background and the slow pace of life. He spent several months in Normétal and wants to show the beauty that it still retains to his audience. The country is sparse; characters often take time to reflect upon their surroundings and themselves. Trees first cleared by the logging industry have grown back and abandoned mines have been covered up. As one character says, “even after a while, the wilderness has won.” ****