How Deep Is the Ocean

A quietly stunning film that blends human drama with striking visuals, creating a story that lingers well after the credits roll. What impressed me most about the film was its ability to explore deep emotional currents without ever feeling heavy-handed or melodramatic.

At the heart of the story is a compelling performance by the lead actress, who brings a remarkable depth and subtlety to her character.

The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the coastal setting, mirroring the emotional journey of the characters. There's a strong use of natural light that gives the film a sense of realism, while the underwater sequences add a dreamlike quality that deepens its themes of connection and loss.

The pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, allowing the story to unfold organically. While it's not an action-packed film, there's an underlying tension that builds as secrets come to the surface, making it quietly gripping. I also appreciated the subtle use of sound design - the ocean is almost a character in itself, its presence felt even when it's not seen, which adds to the film's contemplative atmosphere.

This film is probably a common tragic story for wandering youth or young adults where the protagonist Eleanor seems to aimlessly drift from one pointless human encounter striving to find some meaning or happiness.

We know fairly little about her apart from her broken family history back in Adelaide and interestingly she spurns the advances of the one character who may likely give her the comfort and security that she really needs in her wandering life.

Despite the occasionally obvious improv dialogue the film actually has a more realistic script than many indie films that try to create natural speech interactions and results in a jumble of words that people often use if conversation.

How Deep is the Ocean is a thoughtful film that does a good job of exploring the loneliness that runaway youth or drifters experience each day. The long unbroken scene takes will likely challenge those with a 3 second attention span but the beauty is in the ability to stop and watch the characters closely and in this Director Andrew Walsh gives us full serving.

Eleanor's compelling journey unfolds against the urban tapestry of Melbourne in 'How Deep Is the Ocean.' Fildes delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic drifter, navigating a world of exiles and outcasts. The boarding house, cynically named, becomes a crucible of human connections skillfully portrayed by Cochrane. Amidst dead-end jobs and futile affairs, the film intricately weaves a tale of resilience and missed connections. 'How Deep Is the Ocean' transcends its title, emerging as a metaphorical canvas where life's victories, losses, and profound lessons are masterfully depicted. Eleanor's compelling journey unfolds against the urban tapestry of Melbourne in 'How Deep Is the Ocean.' Fildes delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic drifter, navigating a world of exiles and outcasts. The boarding house, cynically named, becomes a crucible of human connections skillfully portrayed by Cochrane. Amidst dead-end jobs and futile affairs, the film intricately weaves a tale of resilience and missed connections. 'How Deep Is the Ocean' transcends its title, emerging as a metaphorical canvas where life's victories, losses, and profound lessons are masterfully depicted.

This quiet, contemplative film takes a bit to hit its stride, but once it does, it casts a spell. It benefits from having a beautiful actress in the lead who is likely destined for big things, Olivia Fildes as the mysterious, mercurial Eleanor. She is well matched by her new flat mate, the alcoholic, unstable but affable comedian, Roy, played by Cris Cochrane. Their seemingly improvisational scenes pull the viewer in with the rhythm of everyday life.

Much of the movie plays out in long, uninterrupted takes. It is a testament to the writing and performances that they, mostly, hold the audience's attention. One early exception is when Eleanor commits an act of rebellion at a dead-end job. It unspools in desultory fashion, a missed opportunity for a bigger payoff.

But at its best, this reminded me of Greta Gerwig/Noah Baumbach collabs like Frances Ha. Poignant observations about life from a young person's point of view in an uncaring world with fleeting moments of grace. The closing piano theme is a fitting and beautiful note to fade out on.

As an Aussie, I watch a heck of a lot of Australian Indie films - and I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Writer/Director Andrew Walsh's debut film 'How Deep is the Ocean' is a character study of a young 20-something, Eleanor, who arrives in Melbourne, Australia, trying to make a new life for herself. Over the course of the next year, we see her drift from job to job and dealing with low-life Aussie men.

There's nothing huge or momentous that takes place - it's a simple film about life, love, and simply getting by in this world. Interesting to note is that the film didn't have a full screenplay. The storyline was set, but the actors had to improvise dialogue. This results in a film that feels genuine, even if a little awkward at times.

Worth a look!