The assassination of John F. Kennedy took centre stage during the Cold War era. As it reverberates into each generation, his death leaves more questions than answers. Few events in modern history have captured the imagination of the world more than the mysterious circumstances surrounding that fateful day in November 1963.

Set in the days following the shot heard round the world, Parkland focuses on the emergency ward of Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas—where JFK was rushed after being shot. The film’s big name cast includes Paul Giamatti, Zac Efron, Marcia Gay Harden, and Billy Bob Thornton, representing the doctors, investigators and citizens closely surrounding JFK’s shooting.

A selection at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Parkland takes us back to an event of intense focus but little clarity. Whether it bears more scrutiny or opens our eyes a millimeter more does not matter. A film like Parkland reminds us of the echo a single moment in time can cause.