Cast of The Sweet Hereafter

Ian Holm plays Mitchell Stephens, a sophisticated lawyer who arrives in town to convince the parents to file a class-action lawsuit after a tragic school bus accident.

Sarah Polley portrays Nicole Burnell, a teenage girl who survives the bus accident and struggles with physical and emotional pain in its aftermath.

Tom McCamus plays Sam Burnell, Nicole's father who is trying to cope with the aftermath of the accident while also dealing with his own personal issues.

Gabrielle Rose portrays Dolores Driscoll, a grieving mother who lost her children in the school bus accident and is trying to come to terms with her loss.

Alberta Watson plays Risa Walker, a woman in town dealing with her own personal struggles while also trying to support her family and the community in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Caerthan Banks portrays Zoe Stephens, the daughter of Mitchell Stephens, who is caught in the middle of her father's legal pursuits and the town's grief.

Maury Chaykin plays Wendell Walker, a man in town who is dealing with loss and trying to find solace in the community after the devastating accident.

Stephanie Morgenstern portrays Allison, a character who plays a small but significant role in the town's efforts to heal and move forward after the tragedy.

Kirsten Kieferle plays the Stewardess, a minor character who adds a moment of reflection on the transient nature of life in the midst of the town's immense loss.

Arsinée Khanjian portrays Wanda Otto, a woman in town who is trying to make sense of the tragedy while also grappling with her own personal struggles and relationships.

Earl Pastko plays Hartley Otto, Wanda's husband, who is also affected by the tragic event in the town and tries to navigate its impact on their family life.

Simon Baker portrays Bear, a character who symbolizes the resilience and strength of the small community as they come together to support each other in the face of tragedy.