Surviving adolescence is a battle we have all been through, and from which no one emerges unscathed. Set this struggle for independence in 1960s Canada, then add LSD, swinging sex and wood panelling, and what you get is, Falling Angels, a dark comedy that's funny 'cause it's true.

At the center of director Scott Smith's coming-of-age story is his stinging commentary on the detrimental effects of silence.

Lou, Sandy and Norma, three teenage sisters, find themselves trying to confront the truth about their family's past while desperately searching for their own independence. Though they isolate themselves from the family, dealing with their pain alone, each does so in a drastically different way, turning to drugs, promiscuity, even carpentry.

The comedy is dark and made poignant by the colourful characters expertly brought to life by some of Canada's finest. This film not only made me laugh, but also forced me to relate. If Ward and June and the Beave weren't at your breakfast table either, Falling Angels will make you feel a little bit better about it.

Falling Angels plays Wed., Oct. 1, 6:45 p.m. at Uptown 1 and Sat., Oct. 4, 9:30 p.m. at Uptown 2.