Discover the Soundtrack of Polarized

+ An Exclusive Music Video Premiere!

From the moment I started working on Polarized, I knew music would be more than just a backdrop—it would be a vital part of the story. Music shapes the heart of the film, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the characters in ways words often can’t.

Lisa’s Songwriting Journey

One of the most rewarding parts of creating Polarized was finding the musical voice for Lisa, the lead character. As a songwriter, her music had to feel deeply personal yet universal. After listening to countless Canadian artists, I came across Brooke Palsson, an incredible actress and songwriter from Manitoba. Her song, Cruel Joke, struck me immediately. It’s a poignant reflection on longing for home and for something greater—a perfect fit for Lisa’s journey.

Maxine Denis, Shamim Sarif, Hanan Kattan, and Brooke Palsson. Behind-the-scenes of Polarized (2023).

Brooke didn’t just stop at writing; she collaborated with Holly Deveaux, who portrays Lisa, to record three key songs for the film. Holly’s unique voice added an authentic layer to Lisa’s character, and watching their collaboration come to life was a joy.

A Soundtrack of Division and Unity

The setting of Stonewall, the small town in Polarized, is marked by divisions, and I wanted the soundtrack to reflect that diversity. On one side, we have country-influenced tracks from artists like Rosanne Cash, Ashley Monroe, and Hindi Zahra playing at the town festival, Millie’s Café, and Lisa’s truck. On the other side, at the Palestinian Kitchen, Arabic rap by artists such as DAM and Abe Batshon fills the air, along with haunting melodies from Terez Sliman and Haya Zaatry.

An Ethereal Score

When it came to the original score, I had the privilege of working with composer Kevon Cronin. Inspired by minimalist composers like Philip Glass and Max Richter, Kevon crafted a score that uses low piano bass and rich string melodies to evoke the unspoken emotions between the two female leads. Lisa’s musical theme, brought to life through a solo cello recorded in Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of my personal favorites.

An Exclusive Premiere: "Look at Me Now" Music Video

I’m so excited to share something truly special with you—an exclusive never-before-seen music video of Brooke Palsson’s original song, Look at Me Now. Brooke wrote this soulful track specifically for Polarized, capturing Lisa’s journey of self-discovery and resilience. This song is a cornerstone of the film’s narrative, and I’m thrilled to premiere it here for you!