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Underwater

Synopsis

Mara, an introverted girl who lost her father, Erik several years ago, doesn’t practice water dance anymore. Haunted by her anxieties, Mara is in constant conflict with her little sister Lisa, and her mother Sandra who is trying to rebuild her life. She will be confronted with her fear and have to take a life decision: continue to mope or try to move on.

Review

5/5
A telling drama that explores grief, mental health and family tension.
Written and directed by Nicolas Seguel, ‘Underwater’ is a Swiss drama film that deals with the effects of grief on a young water dancer and her family. Set in Switzerland, and produced in the French language (with English subtitles), the short delves into a hostile family dynamic – sibling rivalry and parental tension. Fanny Baudet leads the cast a Mara, who abandons her creative passion after the death of her beloved father. Louann Zalts co-stars as Mara’s sister, with Isabelle-Hélène Bourquin as their mother. A poignant tale that tackles the different responses in bereavement and the affiliation to mental health.

The film introduces the audience to the close bond a young Mara shared with her father. During a water performance, her father (portrayed by Jérôme Brunel) dies suddenly whilst spectating her craft. In later years, we learn of Mara’s withdrawal from dancing and the subsequent fractions within the relationship with her family. Traumatized, Mara retreats from family involvement and rejects her mother’s new relationship. The narrative probes at the protagonist’s lost passion and the rebuilding of family connection. A somber watch from start-to-finish.

Underwater
Masterfully crafted by Nicolas Seguel, the drama showcases knockout performances from the entire cast – particularly from Fanny Baudet and Louann Zalts. With enchanting cinematography from Tanguy Guinchard, audiences will be captivated throughout – notably during the water performances. Sound and post-production are also delivered to a high standard. ‘Underwater’ is an exceptional watch that unveils the journey an individual has to travel to overcome psychological anguish. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Nicolas Seguel
Writer(s): Nicolas Seguel
Cast: Claude Fievet, Fanny Baudet, Isabelle-Hélène Bourquin, Jérôme Brunel, Louann Zalts, Rose Grosso
Producer(s): Nicolas Seguel
Director of Photography: Tanguy Guinchard
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: French
Year: 2022
Runtime: 26 min

Recommended

4/5

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Hold the Ball

A sleep deprived mother grabs the ball, taking a fast break from her screaming baby….
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Nicolas Seguel
Writer(s): Nicolas Seguel
Cast: Claude Fievet, Fanny Baudet, Isabelle-Hélène Bourquin, Jérôme Brunel, Louann Zalts, Rose Grosso
Producer(s): Nicolas Seguel
Director of Photography: Tanguy Guinchard
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: French
Year: 2022
Runtime: 26 min

Recommended

4/5

Lost Hills, CA.

  • Experimental, LGBTQ+
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  • 2010
Based on a poem, this adaptation tells the story of a family living together in a Lost Hills, CA. trailer park. Together, with their friends, they enjoy life, beer, BBQ, and more beer!…
2/5

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  • Documentary, Experimental
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  • 2022
The other face of the Cuban Revolution. The stories of four pivotal characters of this period are explored through a personal lens in which their intimate sides are revealed and visualized in the context of the time….

Underwater

Synopsis

Mara, an introverted girl who lost her father, Erik several years ago, doesn’t practice water dance anymore. Haunted by her anxieties, Mara is in constant conflict with her little sister Lisa, and her mother Sandra who is trying to rebuild her life. She will be confronted with her fear and have to take a life decision: continue to mope or try to move on.

Review

A telling drama that explores grief, mental health and family tension.

5/5
Written and directed by Nicolas Seguel, ‘Underwater’ is a Swiss drama film that deals with the effects of grief on a young water dancer and her family. Set in Switzerland, and produced in the French language (with English subtitles), the short delves into a hostile family dynamic – sibling rivalry and parental tension. Fanny Baudet leads the cast a Mara, who abandons her creative passion after the death of her beloved father. Louann Zalts co-stars as Mara’s sister, with Isabelle-Hélène Bourquin as their mother. A poignant tale that tackles the different responses in bereavement and the affiliation to mental health.

The film introduces the audience to the close bond a young Mara shared with her father. During a water performance, her father (portrayed by Jérôme Brunel) dies suddenly whilst spectating her craft. In later years, we learn of Mara’s withdrawal from dancing and the subsequent fractions within the relationship with her family. Traumatized, Mara retreats from family involvement and rejects her mother’s new relationship. The narrative probes at the protagonist’s lost passion and the rebuilding of family connection. A somber watch from start-to-finish.

Underwater
Masterfully crafted by Nicolas Seguel, the drama showcases knockout performances from the entire cast – particularly from Fanny Baudet and Louann Zalts. With enchanting cinematography from Tanguy Guinchard, audiences will be captivated throughout – notably during the water performances. Sound and post-production are also delivered to a high standard. ‘Underwater’ is an exceptional watch that unveils the journey an individual has to travel to overcome psychological anguish. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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