In this 2025 Canadian crime thriller, two Indigenous women, one a university student and the other a hunter, become unwilling fugitives after a violent encounter with a police officer. What is the title of this film, starring Ellyn Jade and Star Slade?

The 2025 Canadian crime thriller described is titled Nika & Madison. This compelling film centers on the titular characters, two Indigenous women whose lives are irrevocably altered after a violent confrontation with a police officer forces them on the run. Starring Ellyn Jade as Nika and Star Slade as Madison, the movie delves into themes of survival, sisterhood, and the challenges faced within a biased justice system.

The story introduces Madison, a university student in Toronto, who returns to her home community. Nika, who prefers a life connected to the land and the reservation, is Madison's cousin. A weekend visit takes a perilous turn when Madison is sexually assaulted by a police officer, prompting Nika to intervene. The ensuing struggle leaves the officer critically injured, and fearing they won't be believed, the two women become fugitives, seeking refuge first on the reserve and then in the wilderness.

Directed by Eva Thomas, Nika & Madison is a feature-length expansion of her 2023 short film, Redlights. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and has been praised for its raw realism and powerful performances by Ellyn Jade and Star Slade. It explores the resilience and loyalty between Indigenous women, shedding light on systemic issues while celebrating the strength of their bond as they navigate danger and injustice.