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| Images Courtesy of Persimmon |
Tragedy is a commonly explored theme in art, with cinema in particular being the perfect medium in which to explore bereavement. Aaron Sherry's debut feature film, Captain Tsunami avoids cliches within the subgenre by presenting a story of loss and mental illness via a comic book. The result is a heartbreaking story about friendship and family. Featuring a unique concept, an inventive presentation, and a quartet of solid performances, this is an above bar drama that will linger long after the credits roll.
Glenn owns a
small comic book shop and lives a life of solitude, harboring secrets from the
past. One evening, a young girl arrives at his shop, carrying comic books
pages drawn by her mother, a past love of Glenn's life who is missing. As
the duo begin delving into the comic, memories of the past begin to
surface. P. J. Marino's script is the strongest element. Desiree,
the missing mother, is depicted as an artist with mental health issues, however
she is shown as more than the sum of her illness and this is what sets this
film apart. Marino also stars as Glenn, and his performance is
equally as powerful. Films in this genre tend to dive into melodrama,
assault, and trauma, however Glenn is someone whose self-preservation is the
villain and it is fascinating to watch unfold.
Marino is
supported by Madeline McGraw who plays Emma, Desiree's
daughter. Her genuine compassion and desire for the truth drives the
narrative, all of which is balanced upon the presentation of the comic
book. These scenes are both fantastic and harrowing as Glenn's fractured
heart and long inflicted wounds begin to bleed once more. This is
ultimately summed up by an excellent cameo by a well-known actor who plays
Captain Tsunami. Gillian Buhlman's art direction is sublime, melding the
comic book with the past via comic book cells to the point that the viewer may
forget they are within the comic.
The final
ingredient is Robert Lam and Jennifer Hook's cinematography. Despite the
sadness of the narrative, this is a warmly shot film, particularly within the
comic book shop, while cold blues and blacks encircle Glenn's sanctuary
outside. The shots of the past are bright and alive, perhaps
signifying that the ghosts of the past are never truly vanquished, and the
final yield is a contemplative experience.
Now available for digital streaming, Captain Tsunami tackles familiar subject matter in an unconventional manner. The artistic display combined with the performances delivers a somewhat predictable, but mesmerizing experience. If stories of loss, guilt, and possible redemption are of import, this will most certainly entertain.
--Kyle
Jonathan