A scene from 'Out Standing'

Out Standing review: TIFF 2025

‘Out Standing’ follows the real-life trials of Canada’s first woman infantry member, highlighting the sexism she experienced at every step.

Captain Sandra Perron (Nina Kiri) spent five years as a logistics officer – the closest she could get to field duty. When the infantry finally opened its doors to women, she was among the first to enlist. She radiates excitement, finally fulfilling her dream of following in her father’s military footsteps.

Using non-linear storytelling, the film weaves past and present together. It opens in 1995, with Perron facing an unexpectedly tough decision on patrol, one that breaks one of cinema’s cardinal rules. After returning from deployment, she’s drawn into a probe of Pritchett’s conduct. Known as a brutal instructor, he nonetheless helped Perron earn her comrades’ respect during training, even if his methods were unorthodox. Now, investigators question if he went too far to prove her mettle.

Read the full review of Out Standing at thatshelf.com

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