MOVIE REVIEW
Drowning Dry (Sesės)
 -     

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Laurynas Bareiša
Writer(s): Laurynas Bareiša
Cast: Gelminė Glemžaitė,Agnė Kaktaitė,Giedrius Kiela, Paulius Markevičius
Where To Watch: North American Premiere, Palm Springs International Film Festival January 3, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: In Laurynas Bareiša's second directorial outing, DROWNING DRY, a serene family getaway to a picturesque lakeside home spirals into a profound story of upheaval following a near-fatal incident. The story revolves around sisters Ernesta (Gelminė Glemžaitė) and Juste (Agnė Kaktaitė), who, amid a celebration, find their bonds tested under unexpected duress.

Right from the start, the movie captures a sense of triumph as Ernesta's husband, Lukas (Paulius Markevičius,) secures a win at a martial arts event, instilling excitement in the air as the family heads to their lakeside escape. Bareiša sets the stage, introducing characters in a way that underscores the complexities of their relationships. The scene is set with Tomas (Giedrius Kiela) attempting to assert his masculinity, a stark contrast to Lukas’s athletic dominance, effectively planting seeds of the upcoming discord.

As the story unfolds, the vacation's calm is shattered by an accident that threatens a child's life. This disrupts the storyline's flow and plunges the viewer into flashbacks. These segments delve into each family member’s emotional ordeal after the tragedy, utilizing the haunting metaphor of 'dry drowning'—where danger lingers unseen beneath the surface—to explore the enduring impacts of trauma.

The film’s casting is impeccable. Glemžaitė and Kaktaitė embody the sisterly connection with a deep authenticity, encapsulating their relationship's resilience. Meanwhile, Markevičius and Kiela offer nuanced portrayals of their characters, navigating the intricate moments of vulnerability and traditional ideals that ripple through the narrative.

Bareiša’s minimalist directorial approach enhances the core heart of the performances, set against the dual beauty and eeriness of the lakeside setting. The director's use of natural lighting and strategic camera placements intensifies the film's reflective mood, transforming each frame into an examination of the characters' inner journeys.

One of DROWNING DRY's most distinctive features is its approach to storytelling. By shuffling the timeline, Bareiša challenges viewers to piece together the fragmented narrative, mirroring the characters' struggles with their fragmented memories and the psychological healing process.

Despite its artistic strengths, the film's nonlinear format might confound some viewers. It requires keen attention to fully grasp the subtle unfolding of its complex themes. When you must search for something in a film to question, it’s a positive! Regardless, the film will leave you thinking long after you finish it!

Premiering to critical acclaim, DROWNING DRY scooped several awards at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, celebrating Bareiša's direction and the ensemble's compelling performance. These accolades underscore the film's profound impact on audiences and critics, affirming its thoughtful handling of delicate themes.

DROWNING DRY is a poignant exploration of family and the hidden strengths that emerge in the face of adversity. Its narrative structure, which echoes the unpredictable ebbs and flows of human emotion and the deep thematic layers, secures its place as a welcome contribution from Lithuania. This film is a must-watch and will leave a powerful memory in everyone who watches!

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of TRICKSTER PICTURES, AFTERSCHOOL PRODUCTION, DEKANALOG]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.