TIFF 2024: ‘Seeds’ Proves Kaniehtiio Horn’s Leading Lady Power

In her feature directorial debut with Seeds, writer, director, and star Kaniehtiio Horn infuses her Kanienʼkehá:ka culture with humor while also tackling the subject of big agriculture, ala Monsanto. The piece has a clear identity and tone that makes me excited for Horn’s future filmmaking career. However, some plot points prove too convenient in execution, inadvertently undercutting some of the natural tension and character development needed for maximum dramatic impact.

In Seeds, Ziggy (Kaniehtiio Horn) hopes to make something of herself. Splitting time between couriering and building up her influencer following, she’s stuck. An opportunity lands in her lap when the seed and fertilizer company Nature’s Oath signs her on to make content for them. It is the big break she needs, but nothing is smooth sailing. Just when she’s about to dig in, Ziggy is called back to the rez to house-sit for her aunt (Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow).

Returning is full of memories; upon meeting up with her cousin, Wiz (Dallas Goldtooth), it’s a seamless acclimation—almost. There’s still the matter of finding a decent Wi-Fi connection and fulfilling her obligations to Nature’s Oath. However, a seed of doubt gets planted when her cousin points out that Nature’s Oath isn’t what it seems and to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Ziggy doesn’t know that while this is a homecoming, the experience will challenge her and remind her of who she must be to protect what is most dear to her.

Seeds is undeniably hilarious, though the humor might not be for everyone. Whether it’s Ziggy verbally bouncing back and forth with her cousin or the natural physical comedy that erupts between Drake (Patrick Garrow) and Nookie (Dylan Cook) while their characters navigate dressing a concerning flesh wound, the humor slaps. It injects a playfulness that never lets up, even when things take a turn, and sets a distinct tone for viewers.

This even transfers over when things get more metaphysical for Ziggy. Graham Greene makes an appearance in these introspective dream-like moments, offering wisdom and relishing moments to make jokes at her expense when she’s not quick to grasp what he’s trying to show her. The dream transitions aren’t necessarily perfect, muddying up the pacing more than necessary. However, the humor, symbolism, and cinematographer Jonathon Cliff’s beautiful capture of these ancestral memory moments make the case for their inclusion.

In dissecting Seeds, Horn uses Ziggy’s identity crisis to explore several topics. As an influencer, Ziggy is desperate to make something of herself but falls into the trap of inadvertently selling out. Utilizing her culture to cultivate her brand backfires, pushing the question of what ultimately is most important to her in the end. There’s the broader topic of aggressive Monsanto-like companies taking unethical measures to commodify Indigenous crops to fill their pockets. Hammering the point home is a cross-wearing white man unafraid to get his hands dirty if it means getting rich.

But at the heart of Seeds is Ziggy. Even when these topics clamor for footing amidst Horn’s balancing act, Ziggy and her community are at the center. These elements influence her journey and shape her perspective as she rediscovers what it means for her to be back home. Regardless of what she thinks she wants, the answers—however conveniently they arrive in execution—inevitably come to her.

While Ziggy feels lived-in and familiar, her natural journey from beginning to end doesn’t quite hit as it should. This becomes most noticeable in Horn’s final big monologue. While finely delivered, the impact is lessened due to a lack of development from the story.  Further plot development could have helped strengthen the connective tissue needed to believe in Ziggy’s internal journey from influencer city girl to embracing her more authentic self. With its shorter runtime, there was room to expand more.

It is a testament to Horn’s acting and the sheer relatability of Ziggy and her many conflicts that I want more time with her. She’s a fun, silly, and complicated character—her relationships with her cousin, her on-again/off-again man buddy, Bandit (Meegwun Fairbrother), and her community all shape who she is. It’s just a shame that the plot moves forward less from character investigation and more out of convenience to the story.

Kaniehtiio Horn’s Seeds highlights her distinct voice and perspective and confirms that she deserves more leading lady material. Horn’s Ziggy is likable, complicated, and messy, giving viewers someone to root for as she tries to figure out what the heck is going on. The plot, however, struggles to move things along for the sake of convenience, undercutting the impact of Ziggy’s final transformation.

Seeds screened as part of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.