Wade in the Water

The new dark semi-comic domestic drama "Wade in the Water" practically defies description. Still, I'm gonna give it my best shot. Kinna like a main character in this flick does.

Director Mark Wilson's interpretation of a mega offbeat story by Chris Retts takes us on a mesmerizing journey encompassing, among other things, at home telemarketing, independent So-Cal fast food joints, the U.S. Post Office, dancing on the beach and vintage typewriters. And that's not even a thorough list. Add to this eclectic mix the infinitely more troubling elements of family dysfunction, child molestation and murder and you have a movie that really must be seen to both understand as well as approach appreciation.

Tom E. Nicholson is flat-out Oscar worthy here. The reality that he won't even be nominated, or even seen, by The Academy takes not one damn shred away from his raw, raunchy and heartrending performance. Danika Golombek ("I Am The Night") matches Nicholson's standard as the completely unlikely other half of the weird relationship referenced in this review's title.

These two lost souls are caught in the current of a tense and tenuous bond that can not continue. And we as an audience are the benefactors of watching this most dubious pair navigate through unspeakably troubled waters.

This movie while dark, was really refreshing and had me engaged all the way through. It's not predictable and explores morality, forgiveness, and redemption. I was pretty moved emotionally by the end of it. I just picked this movie randomly on Amazon so don't listen to the negative reviews, easily a 9 in my book.

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.

A true indie film that I recommend. Though provoking, dark and yet humorous at the same time. This one will leave you thinking which I believe is an earmark of a good film. A look at human nature, difficult situations and forgiveness all wrapped up in an unlikely friendship between two people.