Movie

The Necessities of Life

★ 7.5(17)20081h 42m

The Necessities of Life isn't available to stream, rent or buy in Ireland right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 24 July 2026.

Where to watch The Necessities of Life

🇮🇪 Ireland

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Streaming in other regions

🇦🇺 AU🇨🇦 CA🇳🇿 NZ🇺🇸 US

Good to know

Director: Benoît Pilon
Release date: 2008-08-25
Runtime: 1h 42m
Language: French
Status: Released
Country: Canada
Studio: Téléfilm Canada

The Necessities of Life — trailer

About The Necessities of Life

The Necessities of Life is a 2008 movie in the Drama genre, directed by Benoît Pilon, starring Natar Ungalaaq, Éveline Gélinas and Paul-André Brasseur. It has a runtime of 1 hour 42 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.5/10 from 17 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Necessities of Life in Ireland — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

In 1952, an Inuit hunter named Tivii with tuberculosis leaves his northern home and family to go recuperate at a sanatorium in Quebec City. Uprooted, far from his loved ones, unable to speak French and faced with a completely alien world, he becomes despondent. When he refuses to eat and expresses a wish to die, his nurse, Carole, comes to the realization that Tivii's illness is not the most serious threat to his well-being. She arranges to have a young orphan, Kaki, transferred to the institution. The boy is also sick, but has experience with both worlds and speaks both languages. By sharing his culture with Kaki and opening it up to others, Tivii rediscovers his pride and energy. Ultimately he also rediscovers hope through a plan to adopt Kaki, bring him home and make him part of his family

Cast

Natar Ungalaaq

Tiivii

Éveline Gélinas

Carole

Paul-André Brasseur

Kaki

Louise Marleau

Soeur Luce

Guy Thauvette

Dr. Montpetit

Antoine Bertrand

Roger

Vincent-Guillaume Otis

Joseph

Denis Bernard

Père Millaire

Luc Proulx

L'horloger

Miali Buscemi

Qupanuaq

Ann-Sophie Archer

Infirmière de jour

Alexandre Thériault

Patient jaloux

Themes & keywords

sanatoriuminuittuberculosissickness

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Necessities of Life in Ireland?+

The Necessities of Life is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in Ireland. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is The Necessities of Life on Netflix?+

The Necessities of Life is not on Netflix in Ireland right now.

How long is The Necessities of Life?+

The Necessities of Life has a runtime of 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

Who stars in The Necessities of Life?+

The Necessities of Life stars Natar Ungalaaq, Éveline Gélinas, Paul-André Brasseur, Louise Marleau and Guy Thauvette.

When did The Necessities of Life come out?+

The Necessities of Life is a 2008 movie directed by Benoît Pilon.

What genre is The Necessities of Life?+

The Necessities of Life is Drama film.

Who directed The Necessities of Life?+

The Necessities of Life was directed by Benoît Pilon.