Shouting at the Sea

This is a well crafted short film that achieves a depth and complexity that leaves me wanting to see more by the writer and filmmaker. 'Shouting at the Sea' is an invitation to reflect on the direction life takes and the connections we make along the way, and our interpretation of events then, and now. This perfectly paced film is deeply moving and visually rich and beautiful. The sound perfectly complements the experience of the piece. The presence of the sea gives a sense of that which is both constant and ever-changing, rhythmic and eternal; a quality of both memory and possibility. I left with an uplifting sense of having revisited something within that had been forgotten for too long.

It's no easy task to get an audience to connect with, and care about, a film's characters in just 20 minutes, but Ben Verrall and his team of co-writers achieve this brilliantly with Shouting at the Sea. It manages to do what all great character-driven films do: Make poignant heartache somehow feel redemptive and uplifting.

The performances of the two protagonists are wonderful, played subtly and seemingly effortlessly, allowing the watcher to feel as if they're glimpsing a moment of reality - one that is shot beautifully, managing to capture the essence of a once-great seaside town in need of the love and attention so clearly craved by one of its inhabitants. The addition of the ever-brilliant Daisy Haggard as the voice of the sea is a great touch, bringing a poeticism very much in keeping with the piece.

I'll very much look forward to what this up-and-coming British director produces next.

A beautifully written short film, convincingly acted by Harry Michell and Maddie Rice with stylish direction from Benjamin Verrall and atmospheric music and cinematography. On one level this short film feels quite gentle and subtle, but on another, I found it much deeper and thoughtful.

Set in the seaside town of Hastings out of season, two old school friends reconnect years later and gradually try and understand the past while getting to know each other in the present. The sea (voiced by Daisy Haggard) narrates as its waves endlessly break onto the shore.

I was totally convinced by the outstanding performances and left wondering not only about them but about my own life...but surely everyone sometimes wonders about the paths they've taken and the people they left behind on the way, don't they?

This is a film for anyone who believes in soulmates-those rare connections that shape who we are. It's for anyone who has ever wanted to shout at the sea, overwhelmed by life's complexities (or has). If you've ever missed someone who once defined your world, or longed to reconnect with a piece of your past, watch Shouting at the Sea.

And whether you grew up in a seaside town or not, this film will transport you to the emotional landscapes of your teenage years. It's a love letter to friendships that endure and to the strength it takes to revisit-and ultimately make peace with-where you came from.

Beautifully written and directed. Intense and sensitively performed. The music and cinematography take it to another level. Congratulations to toffee hammer and everyone involved.

This too short film makes you think, feel, reflect and see... with a great score- and subtle writing and tender performances.

It captures the gaps, traps and memories of one's youth... with the sea as a backing track or character who has seen it all.

Such assured pace and silence and shouts.

Must sea. Must watch.

I'd highly recommend you take the time to absorb this. Rewatch if possible. And see how friendships are formed, forgotten and found again when childhood leaves and adulthood arrives.

A sweet lament to the passing of time and what is success, what is happiness and how we look forward or back in our lives.