MOVIE REVIEW
The Block Island Sound
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2020, 2024 Synapse Films 4K
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus
Writer(s): Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus
Cast: Michaela McManus, Chris Sheffield, Neville Archambault, Matilda Lawler, Ryan O'Flanagan, Jim Cummings, Heidi Niedermeyer, Jeremy Holm, Willie C. Carpenter, Matthew Lawler, Robyn Payne, PJ McCabe
Where To Watch: available December 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.synapsefilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Venturing into THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND introduces us to a hybrid of horror and science fiction that is as deep and mysterious as the ocean. Directors Kevin and Matthew McManus guide us through these turbulent waters with a story that captivates and unnerves, enveloping viewers in a narrative as dense as the fog that shrouds the island setting. As the plot develops, the tension rises like the tide, culminating in an unexpected climax, leaving viewers adrift in a sea of thought-provoking ambiguity.

Set against a backdrop of chilling isolation, THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND presents an atmospheric tale where psychological depths are comprehensively explored. In this unsettling journey, we encounter Tom, a fisherman portrayed by Neville Archambault, who is grappling with an onslaught of terrifying hallucinations and memory lapses. His son Harry, portrayed by Chris Sheffield’s performance, is drowning in desperation as he witnesses his father’s descent into madness.

The enigma deepens with Harry’s sister Audry's return, a role filled with determination by Michaela McManus. A marine biologist, she arrives just as reality on the island begins to unravel, symbolized by the phenomenon of marine life dying en masse. Her scientific pursuit to uncover the cause becomes entangled with the family’s crisis, as ancient bonds are tested by the dread that infuses their every interaction.

Cinematographer Alan Gwizdowski captures this with hauntingly beautiful shots that frame the desolate landscapes, while composer Paul Koch’s sparse score and the natural sounds of the island contribute to a soundtrack that is as foreboding as the unknown depths below.

THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND is not just a study of atmospheric tension. It delves into the heart of human fragility—how fear can fracture even the strongest bonds. Harry and Audry’s increasingly strained relationship is a conduit through which broader themes of human vulnerability are explored. Their story is one of individual and collective survival against internal and external forces.

THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND succeeds in weaving a dense journey through psychological and ecological intrigue. It steers clear of the usual clichés, opting for a deep dive into the psyche, where the real and surreal blend. The McManus brothers orchestrate this with a precise vision, creating a film that challenges viewers to confront the immediate and existential threats lurking in the unseen.

This film blends genre and atmosphere, driven by strong character portrayals and meticulous attention to mood. For those who appreciate a narrative that encourages reflection well beyond the initial viewing, THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND offers a rich, immersive experience. It is a notable piece of indie filmmaking, inviting viewers to ponder what scares us and why.

Bonus Materials
The 4K UHD release features a special limited edition slipcover featuring new art from Joel Robinson while supplies last
Original Trailer
A Practical Apocalypse
Finding the Cast
Filming on the Water
Special Effects on a Shoestring
Los Angeles Behind-the-Scenes (Super 8mm)
McManus Family Home Movies
Audio commentary with directors Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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