Short Film Review “Drowned” Separation, poor choices, doubt, anger, unforgiveness, and the hard but steady path to rectify it ALL
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First, the Recap:
When everything appears insurmountable, it feels like it’s hard to even breathe. We always wish, ideally, to put our best foot forward, allowing for the chance to have life simply manifest balance and fulfillment. Yet, when the polar opposite of this is what’s actually occurring, the walls close in, we think every effort we put forth is for naught, and it threatens to make us lose all that’s most important to us. It’s catch twenty-two. Can we find the means to rise above it? Or just allow our world to crash and burn?
Sarah (Sonya Richards) is a woman who’s not only at a crossroads, but also the edge. Experiencing a drought in life’s journey that has thrown everything she treasures to the wolves, Sarah desperately wishes to find balance. Between her separation from husband Jake (Ryan Nunes) while trying to be a decent mother to their precious young daughter Emma (Julia Little), can Sarah discover the means to see things turn around before it is truly too late?
Next, my Mind:
A short film with purpose, emotive volatility, an unapologetic look at what happens when life throws more than just ONE curve ball at us, and the potency of seeking personal and shared reconciliation is what we are solidly provided through this newest effort from writer/director Ryan Nunes, co-director Sean Campbell, writer Julien Elliott, and executive producer Jimmy Jackson. It becomes another example of taking thematic elements that have been done countless times and bringing them down to an even more human, relatable, and compelling level. I run out of ways to say that this IS the core heartbeat of indie cinema’s magic, and to have such a wealth of filmmaking talents within this community is paramount to getting the word out about stories like this that should never be discounted. In this case, once more, it is a NECESSARY film I feel people should take in and have to contemplate when it comes to the human condition portrayed.
This film finds its legs through a narrative that sees a woman in the throes of all around her seeming to only keep getting worse, even as she IS trying to make things better in order to have the kind of relationship with her ex, her young, asthma-stricken daughter, and her sister she desires, while ALSO re-evaluating and revitalizing her own demons and past choices. It’s a true storm of hard truths, many self-made, that initially dominate the film’s path, and honestly, it was just as emotionally raw for me as a viewer as it was for the characters in play. This is made more evident when the film’s core focuses….familial brokenness, shattered trust, doubtful mindsets, overcoming failure, admitting our own faults/poor choices/imperfections, accepting change, the reluctance towards then acknowledgment of those who SUPPORT us, coming TOGETHER, and WANTING things to work out….all mesh in such a powerful, persuasive, and uncomplicatedly COHESIVE manner.
The real beauty of this film IS the utter atmosphere of discontent and, dare I say, presumably unfixable facets of given circumstances and how unceremoniously they can upend everything we strive to be that gets immediately hurled at us with intensity and candid resolve, but then slowly begins to build towards what we HOPE will BE that place of absolution. The finale here was unpretentiously beautiful and cathartic, which may already “give away” the latter part of the previous sentence, but it really doesn’t either, because it’s all about the perspective and context in which it comes about that creates the magic. I would be lying if I said I didn’t tear up a bit at that point. But see, THAT for me is the sign of intelligent, well-crafted, and well-executed storytelling and character development, even when a film (here at just over 17 minutes) isn’t that lengthy.
Needless to say, the additional thematic aspect about how broken homes can impact a child is likewise addressed here, and it is a sobering reminder OF the fact that so often, kids get caught in the figurative crossfire when parent’s aren’t showcasing a united front, but is also amazing and glorious when things get settled to everyone’s benefit. Richards is a seriously stirring mix of heartbreaking vulnerability, complete mental anguish, and undeniable credibility via the sincere desire to transform her life as all demonstrated through the character she plays, Sarah. A mother who’s lost her way and only appears to make things worse for herself even WHEN she’s trying to be wiser in her decision-making processes, Sarah’s constant state of upheaval doesn’t go over well with any of the people around her who are actually TRYING to BE THERE for her.
When things reach a genuine breaking point, it will be up to Sarah to stand firmer for the person she continually KNOWS she is, in spite of the trials and outward struggles she tends to manifest, ideally to win back all she’s forsaken from past ways. Again, it’s such an exercise in constant instability at first before things MIGHT turn around, and Richards is exceptionally energetic and authentic in this role, hands down. Likewise, Nunes (who steps out from behind the camera) carries with him that same magnitude of grounded believability and simmering depth of emotion through his performance as Jake, Sarah’s ex-husband who has put forth a LOT of effort to try and make HER better still as well as accountable, if anything for the benefit of the couple’s young daughter Emma. But as Sarah does nothing but spiral, Jake’s patience begins to wear thin, and whether he can SEE she IS making strides to be sounder of mind and actions remains in question.
I can very much appreciate that Jake is, ultimately, an “everyman”, which makes the character’s plight more decidedly convincing in both states of frustration and empathy, with Nunes’ portrayal of him completely weighty and conclusive. Dhanya Lott plays Charlie, Sarah’s somewhat conspicuously long-suffering sister who has also made her intention to BE there for her yet still ends up feeling the weight of Sarah’s resistance and building unease. But, Charlie stays the course and remains unwavering, that voice of conscious Sarah NEEDS in order to be led down more constructive paths, and Lott plays this so very well here. Little has that total, endearing charm yet also maturity during affecting moments of tension that belies the young actress’ age through her performance as Emma, Sarah and Jake’s daughter who just wants a PEACEFUL, UNIFIED home again.
Even as she must often be direct witness to the explosive nature of her parent’s confrontations, with the associated fears, confusion, and sorrow that accompanies it all, Emma’s wishes could still potentially come to pass if the pair will just pause and take the time to really comprehend each other again, to their mutual edification. Primary supporting appearances are made first by veteran actor Paul Kandarian as Jack, the manager at a local business that could become one of Sarah’s way out of harried unreliability. Kerry Whelan is Mrs. Jordan, a teacher who confronts Sarah about the unacceptable manner in which she seems to be handling things when it comes to Emma. Andrea Borges is Julie, Sarah’s therapist who also tries her best to be another voice of reason for her frazzled client.
So, in total, “Drowned” takes its title both seriously and with its figurative meaning worn squarely on ardently fierce, ever oscillating sleeves, a tale that is well worth noting, absorbing, and contemplating afterwards, the illustration of what we should all be aware of when life gives us FAR too many lemons, expressing not just a willingness to evolve for our own sake, but also for the sake of those we cherish most. This is the kind of mending so many more souls in this world could stand to embrace in order to move ahead with that MUCH required sense of inspired optimism, healing adoration, and heartening intention.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
