A Menina do Mar

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.

It's a mystery/supernatural drama where a girl with "healing" abilities gets locked up on a remote island by her foster parents. The premise is interesting and the movie holds your attention well until the very end. The finale has a nice twist that you likely won't expect. One of the ideas it delivers pretty well is that people's generic morals usually get trashed when it's about their survival or survival of their closest relatives. Also that most people are inherently egoistic and try not to share something that benefits them, even if the potential benefits to others would vastly outweigh.

Just think of the movie's premise: a girl can heal people almost instantly by just letting them come close to her. How would a scientist or an engineer react to such a phenomenon? Obviously, research WHAT makes her have these powers. Why? Because the implications can be revolutionary. Imagine the huge positive impact to medicine worldwide. Millions, even billions of people could be saved. Yet, none of the dimwits populating this island cares. For 10 years, they keep the girl to themselves and create a semi-religious cult around her. And when troubles start, what do they do? They gather in a anonymous alcoholics-like meeting. To do what? No, not to strategize. But to "share their feelings" while holding a plush bear. The girl's step-father is the guy who found her as a baby. It was a random find so it could as well be anyone else. In his eternal wisdom, he doesn't want the girl to get abused by the "mainlanders" (the world outside the island). I guess, because scientists will stick needles into her and crack open her skull just out of curiosity, right? It's certainly better if she grows on a remote island and thinks that Paris is an imaginary place from fairy tales and treats an old TV set is a miracle.

A big plot hole that kinda kept nagging me throughout the movie: how could these island's inhabitants survive on an island for 10 years without ever contacting the mainland? After all, they aren't living in Medieval times so that they could create clothes, tools and everything else from wood, stone and leaves. In 10 years, batteries would run out, tools would break, and cars would burn through all of the gas. So, magically, the island lives as if it has all the modern resources like oil, metals, and basically the whole modern economy run in the background by something like 20-30 hillbillies + 1 drunk doctor. This doctor could prescribe only sleeping pills by the way, and those are still okay to take after 10 years. Or the pills just magically manifested themselves because well, it's a supernatural drama. And to light up the town, you don't need a power plant. It's just enough to find an electric cable lying on the road with sparks in it.

I was happy when the girl finally left the island - and that's where the movie had to end. Turn off your brain and enjoy the ride!

This film seems to have really flown under the radar. In some ways it might not have a wide appeal but that is not because of its content and likely due to its marketing. I suspect the marketing budget is small for a Canadian made film. Horror seeking teens may find the trailer too slow and dry whereas some of the shall I say more "mature"/ sophisticated audiences seem to avoid anything that could be labelled horror.

The concept is quite clever. A small community that has lived on an island for quite some time is struggling until a young girl is delivered to them as a baby in a divine way. Isla, is able to essentially solve all of their ailments in one way or another. The start is a bit of a slow burn , but in this time the characters are developed and you become more invested. There are some really nice shots of Canada's East Coast as well.

Once the plot hits its climax it had my full undivided attention. Moral decisions are made and the consequences of actions have you on the edge of your seat.

Nothing in the film is frightening in a horror movie kind of way , however there is some intense violence in brief periods.

Overall, despite its simplicity it's one of my favourite movies of 2024.

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."

1) First of all, lower your expectations, by no means it is a 10/10 nor a 9/10 movie. If someone watches this thinking that this is a masterpiece, they are gonna be disappointed.

2) This is a supernatural drama. There is a mystery element, there are also some dramatic moments and it gets intense during the last 15-20 minutes but it's mostly a slow, low-key drama. Biggest quality here is acting, every actor did a fine job. I can't say this is the most interesting movie i've watched but it was not boring either, i was curious to see where it goes and i enjoyed it. Nothing is being explained and for sure i wanted some answers but i didn't mind it much, i appreciated movie's enigmatic "nature".

3) Regarding of the ending, it was unexpected and that's a good thing. I mean, i am not even sure if i liked it or not but i liked the fact that i didn't see it coming.

Overall, this was good. I can't recommend it or not, there are better movies to watch but if you are a fan of this genre, you will probably like it. And i can tell for sure that there are far worse 2024 movies.