The King Tide

One of Cinema's greatest virtues is working with themes that discuss morals, belief, power and human nature. This proposal is never easy to execute, nor to be fully understood in the final production result. What is seen on the screen can often result in controversy, subversion and controversies even if the narrative there brings a portrait close to our reality.

The Canadian film The King Tide (2023) by Christian Sparkes aims to work with these issues. Here, the director intends to explore the changes in a peaceful, isolated and idyllic fishing village that changes its behavior after the unexpected arrival of a girl with extraordinary powers.

Of course, Sparkes uses Fiction, as well as metaphors and symbolism, to dialogue with much of what we see in society. Once again, Cinema reflects on the impacts of a community that will now need to deal with the powers at its disposal. Far from being another typical superhero film, the gift of the girl Isla (Alix West Lefler) will serve as the trigger for a series of changes in the village.

Another important resource for creating a dark atmosphere in the film is the desolate situation of the village itself. Furthermore, residents are determined not to have contact with other places, and they don't even look for doctors and clinics outside the island. This adds a tone of conservatism that ends up weighing on the girl's situation of extreme idolatry, in addition to impacting the antagonism of ideas among some inhabitants.

The final half hour also guarantees extra tension, all leading up to an explosive ending that will leave the viewer with varied interpretations and some questions. If this is what Cinema must be like, Sparkes is on a good path.

A king tide is not only the exceptionally high waves that typically occur during a new or full moon but is also the name of the movie I'm reviewing today. THE KING TIDE is a tiny Canadian-made mystery thriller about a tiny island of people. So small that everybody knows everybody. They happen upon a baby, who seems to have some kind of power, who they call Isla. Much like the movie itself, I'm going to leave you to fill in the blanks. The best description I can think of for this movie is that it's a grim fairy tale. Canadian award-winning director Christian Sparkes takes an idyllic island village, makes one small change, and we the audience get to see how it affects everyone. I'm very hesitant in telling you more because I want you to go in mostly blind. Everybody does a great job, especially young Alix West Lefler, who I have no doubt will have a bright future in the business. This movie has a slow burn that completely pays off, accompanied by a creepy atmosphere and intriguing world-building that slowly draws you in. It's such a shame that almost nobody has even heard of THE KING TIDE. Luckily, I have so now you have too. Go see it before it goes away! Many thanks for reading this, and of course, "Many thanks to Isla."

The concept for this film is interesting, but it is slow. The story is good, as is the acting.

The cinematography is excellent, though because of the lack of momentum, I didn't feel much urgency or tension in the film, until the very end. That's where this film finally comes together. It is worth the wait.

Its not really a horror film or thriller, but more of a drama with fantasy elements. I chose to watch it over two nights, due to the pace.

I think this film would have been better at about 90 minutes. The dialogue, shots, and music are just too slow. Perhaps better editing would have been in order.

Well the idea was there, so that's something positive, the execution was poor though. It was a promising idea, the kind where you can go all kind of directions with, but they managed to make a story with a lot of stupid decisions, creating problems where there should be none. I mean the kid knows she has special abilities so why just not ask the kid for a favour instead of coming with the most stupid plans? It's just annoying to follow as a story, add to that that they dragged it out, a too slow pace and you get an average movie. But it's worth a watch for the okay cinematography and good acting from the entire cast. Would I watch it again in the future? No.

This is the sort of movie that flies under the radar but deserves a lot more credit. It is well written, put together, feels cohesive and acted well.

The story line is a little far fetched but it's done in a way that doesn't make you think it is. Everyone plays their part well and it's a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.

It's has highs and lows, but it transports you to what is happening in the screen which is the true art of cinema if you ask me.

I am trying really hard not to give anything away as it's way more enjoyable if you just let it happen.

The majority of the cast aren't massive actors but they are brilliant in it. I will definitely watch this again.