The Realities of Starting Over

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
How Deep is the Ocean
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 18m
Director(s): Andrew Walsh
Writer(s): Andrew Walsh
Cast: Olivia Fildes, Cris Cochrane, Adam Rowland, Will Weatheritt, Callum Gault, Naomi Lisner, Dia Taylor, Benji Wragg, Monika Thomas, Connor Wilson
Where To Watch: available now here: www.amazon.com, or Tubi, Apple TV (UK,) Google Play (Movies,) YouTube

RAVING REVIEW: In HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN, director Andrew Walsh skillfully crafts a story as layered as Melbourne's unpredictable climate, transforming Eleanor Grey’s life from a chaotic moment in time into a finely painted portrait of personal growth. Olivia Fildes's performance as Eleanor perfectly captures the essence of a woman striving for renewal amidst the chaos of her past. From her first step into the ironically named boarding house "The Hotel California," her journey develops with raw emotional authenticity.

Eleanor navigates through a jungle of jobs and relationships, her instability magnified by the city's backdrop. Walsh's improvisation injects a dose of reality into the film, blurring the lines between acting and living. The method draws the audience into the emotional stream of Eleanor's world but also highlights the evolving dynamics with her unpredictable roommate, Roy (Cris Cochrane.) The reality of their evolving “relationship” anchors the film, providing a line through the narrative's shifting scenes.

Cinematographer Scott David Lister deserves attention for his meticulous craft. He captures the minute details of Eleanor's daily life against the expansive urban landscape. His camera serves as both a witness and companion to Eleanor's trials, utilizing close-ups and wide shots that emphasize her isolation and fleeting connections. The storytelling is further enriched by a palette that shifts between the warmth of hopeful moments and the cool shadows of despair, with beautifully understated sequences adding a layer of dreamlike quality to the story.

The sparse score winds through the film, complementing its visuals and adding depth that resonates with Eleanor’s internal and external battles. This minimalistic soundtrack underscores the film’s mood, allowing the audience to feel every heartbeat of her journey without overwhelming the senses.

Walsh eschews a linear plot structure, opting instead for a fragmented style that mirrors the unpredictable rhythm of life. This choice might challenge some viewers but rewards those who immerse themselves in the character's emotional core. The world around Eleanor mirrors and molds her experiences in all their complexity, enhancing the film's exploration of identity and belonging.

The film excels at depicting the intricacies of starting over amid personal disruption. It is a meditation on resilience, a study of the strength it takes to confront one’s demons and emerge transformed. Walsh’s directorial debut is a testament to his ability to craft a story that resonates on a universal scale, marked by a promising blend of sensitivity and cinematic flair. Fildes' portrayal is a standout, infusing the film with authenticity and depth that lingers well beyond the final scene.

HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN celebrates life's small victories against an ever-changing world around them. This debut from Walsh, coupled with a remarkable performance by Fildes, ensures that this film will resonate with audiences, inviting them to reflect on their journeys.

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[photo courtesy of A W PICTURES, TAYMAYNARI PRODUCTIONS, INDIE RIGHTS]

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