Bernie Langille Wants to Know What Happened to Bernie Langille

2022 · 78 min · ★ 8.0 · Documentary

In this offbeat whodunit, Bernie Langille sets out to uncover the truth around the strange circumstances of his grandfather (and namesake) Bernie Langille's death. Fifty years after the fact and with the help of meticulous miniatures, he reconstructs the bizarre events of one fateful winter night in 1968. What exactly precipitated the shocking discovery of Grandpa Bernie, dead in his own bed? The labyrinthian task of answering this question leads Bernie to interview a range of characters, including forensic experts and family members. Along the way, Bernie entertains increasingly absurd scenarios—including the possible involvement of Agent Orange. His obsessive musings, just like the constantly changing miniature sets, never get old. Ultimately the film provides a quirky yet thoughtful look at family ties, the fault lines of memory and intergenerational trauma.

Directed by Jackie Torrens · Written by Jackie Torrens