Wade in the Water

I'm a huge fan of good indie films, but this one made me wonder for the first half hour. Then it became more and more engrossing. By the end, I was completely sold.

Most movies have so many complicated, tricky plot devices, action scenes, CGI effects, etc., it's like filmmakers don't think audiences care about real life stories about real people--without pretense, without affectation.

This film is a fine exception. It will really stay in your mind after its over. You'll recommend it to your intelligent friends. Your other friends (the ones who can't wait for the new Hollywood blockbuster) won't get it.

Wade in the Water is unique for an indie movie because it's a bit of a character study. I've been binging on a ton of indies, and they have a hard time with this kind of movie or at least doing it this well. The crux of the story is that the protagonist finds purpose after accidentally finding a secret none of us ever want to ever see. Tom E. Nicholson, who plays the lead, is in every scene and is mesmerizing to watch. He's an angry character that starts to grow on you. You get and understand his daily frustration. There is a little of him (or a lot) in all of us. Excellent watch.

This movie is a slow burn. It's a dark drama but with touches of humor. Well shot and executed. I think the highlight of this one is the cinematography. Is it worth a watch? Yes. If you're a fan of indie films and are adventurous in choosing what you watch, then this one will be worth your time!

Low key and Lo-Fi it might be, but this still exerts a powerful pull. "Our Man", the dysfunctional main character (as listed in the credits) receives a packet in the mail that's not meant for him, which sends him on the road to retribution and the confronting of his own demons. It is, in its own way, bleakly funny, almost serving at times as a "Taxi Driver" parody, and someone else has rightly identified "Blue Ruin" as another strong influence. As Our Man, Tom E Nicholson is quietly effective, but the real find is Danika Golombek, as the daughter of his victim, with whom he forms an unlikely friendship. She has an amazingly expressive face and is genuinely touching and funny in their scenes together. If you're looking for thrills and excitement, this might not be for you, but it's definitely worth a look.

Saw this movie yesterday off Amazon Prime, the current 7.9 IMDB rating pumped up by a few dozen insider 10 ratings. For a low budget project, basically two actor driven drama, it's fine, really just an average movie (which is frankly good these days with so much absolute trash out there). I was fine watching this but would not see a need to recommend to others. Story a bit unrealistic in my opinion but it sort of works.