Magnetosphere is a delightfully charming family-friendly feature that celebrates the pangs of first loves, the acceptance of one’s self, and living with a beautiful, but sometimes troubling condition, synesthesia, which causes her to see sounds, hear colours, and more.

Maggie (Shayelin Martin) is thirteen, and she and her family are settling into Sault Ste. Marie. She’s less than happy about it, but her father, Russell (Patrick McKenna) is delighted, he’s running a theater programme and plans to mount Pirates of Penzance. Her mother, Helen (Tania Webb) is hard-working, and her younger sister, Evie (Zooey Schneider) is adorable, if occasionally annoying.

Maggie is having trouble fitting in at her new school, and that’s before complications of her condition. There’s a group of man girls who pick on her, but she’s found a new friend in Wendy (Mikayla Kong).

But her heart has been given to a college student, twice her age, Travis (Steven He), who is in her dad’s show.

She suffers the pangs of first love, and is endlessly belittled by her own inner monologue, provided by a Captain Cassiopeia doll, voiced by Tara Strong.

Throw in a goofy exterminator, handy man, Gil (Colin Mochrie) and you’ve got an interesting concoction, that is gentle and honest.

My biggest issue with the film isn’t in the performances, or the story, both of which are charming, it’s the fact that the world we see on screen is too clean, and doesn’t feel lived in. All of the costumes and sets seem a little too sparkling clean, and it’s a little jarring.

But beyond that, it’s absolutely endearing, mainly because young Martin’s performance is so honest. There’s heartbreak of youth all over this picture, as Maggie struggles with her self-image and how she sees the world versus how the world sees her.

She’s absolutely charming.

McKenna and Mochrie are fun to watch together, and you are left to wonder how much of their dialogue was improvised.

Rose serves wonderfully as the film’s writer and director, presenting a view of childhood that we all recognize in one form or another, and no matter when we grew up, the experience is familiar and resonates.

Magnetosphere is a warm, honest, playful film that despite my minor nitpicks still charmed me, and has brought both Martin and Rose to my attention. This is a sweet film that is suitable for everyone in the family, and can create a healthy warm dialogue.

Look for it on VOD, pop up some corn, and settle in for a joyous entree.